You might wonder why I am able to stand here like this today. It is probably the very last time I can do anything for David and I owe him that.
I am not going to go over his whole life except to say he worked hard, loved life and adored his family. He was modest about his achievements and we are proud of what he has done. Even through the ravages of the last 12 years he has been strong and resilient and until very recently still managed a cheeky smile and a wink for friends.
I want to just give an insight into his attitude to life. When I first met him he held his diary and a piece of paper fell out on to the floor. I picked it up. The words by Stephen Grellet were written into his diary every year until he was unable to write any more.
I expect to pass through this world but once, any good thing, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to a fellow creature, let me do it now, let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.’
He lived his life according to those words.
He never failed to help someone he knew needed assistance. I can recall many incidents of people coming to stay and ultimately becoming close friends. I have received many letters over the past week indicating how he influenced and inspired them in their work and future careers.
He was extremely kind and generous and after this prayer (I then quoted the prayer of St Francis) , which seems fitting for him, our daughters will share with you a few happy moments: