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