I well remember my first encounter with David. It was the 2004 EMCC conference and I had only recently completed my coach training so was feeling very much the newbie. When I went to my very first workshop I found myself sitting in a circle of about 20 people and next to me was David. When we were directed to discuss issues in groups of two he was my partner. Of course I knew his name as one of coaching's gurus and felt awestruck but within moments he had put me at ease. He was so humble and generous and, even though I was right at the beginning of my coaching career and knew very little, treated what I had to say with attention and respect. It was so kind of him! And it was a wonderful introduction to the EMCC - it always felt so accessible from that moment. We always had a conversation at EMCC conferences and I was very fond of him. RIP, David. You were the best. Katharine St John-Brooks

I met David late, but I met David, felt held by David and had the pleasure of experiencing his wisdom and ease of being. To have ease in difficulty and wisdom through challenge is gift indeed. With love and kindness. x

I met David just over 20 years ago in Endcliffe Park at 8 am one beautiful Saturday morning. Tall, athletic and with legs that ate up the kilometres and made me work hard to keep apace with him. I had to! He made me smile and often laugh out loud as we ploughed up the Porter Valley every week with our stories and then our serious debates that helped shed light on many an organisational dilemma I had in those days as David freely shared his insight and experience with me. His love of music, poetry and nature have especially enriched my appreciation of the world. And always with his magical twinkling eyes! A dear friend whom I will miss and whom I feel so privileged to have met that Saturday morning 20 years ago. Sylvia Yates