The following obituary was written by David's son, Will (PH 76-81)

After leaving Tonbridge, David completed his Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors exams whilst doing his National Service and went on to work for RC Knight and Sons for the rest of his working life, starting in the Tonbridge office before moving to Suffolk and setting up in partnership in Stowmarket. David was a highly regarded Chartered Surveyor with a large client base amongst the local farming community. He also auctioned cattle once a week, that would travel from as far away as Ireland, as well as ad hoc furniture sales and turkeys at Christmas!

He married Sonia Mary Mermagen (known as Anna) in 1961 and they enjoyed a long and happy marriage for the rest of his life based at Riverside Farm in Creeting St. Mary, Suffolk. These were golden years for the family who enjoyed hosting many visitors and parties. They had four children: William (PH 76-81), Kate, George and Sarah. Blissful family holidays were spent at Trevose in North Cornwall and in Northern France.

David had a great sense of community and social responsibility and trained as a magistrate, ending up as Chairman of the local magistracy and of the local Conservative Party.

David’s great love outside of work was golf. He was initially a member and later Captain at Woodbridge Golf Club before joining Royal Worlington and Aldeburgh. He was also a summer member at Trevose. He was a very good amateur player, being runner up in the Suffolk Amateur Championship in the 1980’s.

David was a regular attendee at OTGS Spring Meetings. He played in the Halford Hewitt from 1970 to 1974, was Captain of the Society in 1986/7 and President from 1994 to 2000. He also played in winning Bernard Darwin teams in 1980 vs Eton, 1982 vs Rugby and 1983 vs Malvern.

David was also one of the original founders of the Four Schools Cup, which was (and is still) played at his beloved Royal Worlington. The other schools are Uppingham, Gresham’s and Marlborough.

His companions report that David was a delight to socialise with. He was a lovely conversationalist and raconteur with a delightful self-deprecating sense of humour. After a couple of beers he could be easily encouraged to tell one of his stories in his convincing Suffolk accent. He was great company. 

Some time after retirement, David and Anna moved into Bedingfield House, Needham Market where they continued to host friends and family. David suffered a stroke in 2019 and moved into Park View Care Home. David died peacefully with his family at his bedside on Tuesday 7 June 2022, four weeks before his 90th birthday.

(Sc 45-50)