My thoughts are primarily with Jennifer, Izzy and Seth. I don't know if this is what this space is for but, hey, Dave was anything but a stickler for the rules, so here are some of my thoughts. I know that if my old friend were leaving this for me, it would be pithy - perhaps only a single word or phrase. I need to be more verbal. Both migrants to the arse end of North Cumbria over 45 years ago, circumstances pushed us together. He was better-looking, better at sport, a better musician and academically better than I, but I forgave him these flaws and for over 45 years we remained close friends, sharing a love of music, wildlife, art, rugby and drinking. We had holidays together and ate and drank together. Dave's loyalty to our friendship was noteworthy and probably undeserved. He found time, far more than I, to share newly discovered music, thoughts on all sorts of things his enquiring mind discovered. I think he was the glue that's held together our little group of schoolfriends for over 45 years. I have numerous Welsh friends (I know!!) and, in the texts exchanged following an international rugby match, I obviously get plenty of traffic from them... when Wales win. When Wales lose, the texts are generally silent. The sole exception to this was Dave, who would always offer an expert and fair critique on the result and, where appropriate, genuine congratulations. During lockdown, he and I would watch games on TV in our respective homes but together on Skype (Dave's idea). He was generous in everything. He lent me musical instruments, gave me things on a whim, he'd turn up at my door and just hand me a bottle of malt whisky. He'd give you the shirt of his back if you shared his dubious taste in shirts. Funny, witty (not as witty as me, obvs), erudite. His knowledge of so many things and enthusiasm for trying new things was apparently limitless. We had taken to doing the Guardian Saturday quiz each week together with Jim, over WhatsApp and the last message I have from him, on the 18th of October, was to correctly identify Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu as the real name of Mother Teresa! As I'm sure we all are, I'm finding it difficult to get my head around the poorer place that is the world without David's smiling face. I know he was so proud of Izzy and Seth and all they've achieved and will achieve and they do him credit. I should leave such a legacy. I will try to take something from what was best in my friend and be a little more humble, less argumentative, opinionated and generally arsey. A one-off, a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy.