David was amazing: a superb scientist, a caring and loyal mentor, an inspiring teacher, and an extremely effective leader. But more than this, he was a fantastic friend and always, without fail, such great company. We will all miss him enormously.

It was very sad to hear of David’s passing. He was a kind and generous person who will be missed by everyone he met. I first met David when he was external examiner for cell biology at the University of Manchester. His knowledge of the subject was second to none, and his ability to put students are ease when they were under difficult exam conditions is a quality only seen in people who genuinely care for others. Just before lockdown, David contacted me about co-writing a research grant. Against stiff opposition we were successful in securing that grant, which was down to David’s exceptional scientific knowledge and his ability to convey complex scientific concepts using simple language. It was a privilege and a joy to work with David. I will always remember his positive attitude, his humour, his ability to put people at ease, and the warm smile on his face even in the darkest of times. My deepest condolences to his family at this very sad time.

A truly genuine person who cared about those around him. A brilliant scientist and excellent leader. It was a pleasure to have worked with David.

Dear David, I feel like I have known you my entire career. we share the same interest in this part of the secretory pathway focusing on the same protein, Sec16, with enthusiasm and passion. your calm passion mixed with great determination to crack it. You were kind yet competitive, you care for your people, for your students and your colleagues, for how the work should be done. We have not seen each other for a long time. Covid and then sickness, first mine then yours. Last time we met was during my visit to Bristol in 2013, 14, 15 (not sure) for the Elisabeth Blackwell' s lecture I was kindly invited to give. We shared a walk, a pizza and a great conversation, both professional and personnal. We met again later as the JCS editor of two of my last papers. Very proper, very fair, as usual. David, you will be sorely missed by our community. I send here my condolences your your family. They were likely prepared for the worse, but the shock will not be smaller and less intense. The sadness of your loss will be deep. He was so young. Much strength and love to you all. Catherine Rabouille. Utrecht

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