I have known David for three decades. He recruited me as Principal of the Primary School at St Julian's and helped me launch my career as an international school head. David was the ultimate mentor and consummate professional. He was proud of never having to fire any of his employees, choosing instead to guide them into improvement. I have David to thank for his open-mindedness and great kindness; these attributes helped to shape my own style as a head. His experience and wisdom was boundless, as was his dedication to students and staff to make learning relevant and fun. His sharp wit was memorable, as were his skills with words. 

At the end of May, Carolyn and David spent the day with me in my Ruthin garden. It was warm and sunny. We lunched outside. David ate a light meal as he chatted about the good times we shared at St Julian's and his concerns for the school's future. For David, it was an unfinished project and thus frustrated the hell out of him!

David was tired but as eloquent and witty as ever. I didn't know it would be the last time we would speak together.

Dear David, a colleague, a mentor, a confidante, a political animal but, above all, a sadly missed friend. For Carolyn  great sadness as she has lost her lifelong love and soul mate.