Never Sit Down When You Put On Your Knickers

There are many memories that help to define David. A common one is his knowledge of the sciences and ability to apply them to all manner of situations and DIY problems – a recent example of this intuitive application of science and observation was David’s help in determining the workings of the ‘carbuncle of French boiler’ which had no accompanying instruction manual. The task was tackled with enthusiasm as usual and we now have an instruction manual complete with colour digital photos. His knowledge is not just limited to the sciences and many would add testimony to David’s winning general knowledge – an asset to many a quiz team.

Both David and Heather have an inquisitive nature, taking tremendous interest in one’s careers and hobbies. I was recently reminded of this when David regaled one of my physiotherapy stories told to him years earlier. It was about a 70 year old Norwegian lady full of vigour and a real salt of the earth character. She had come in for some advice and treatment on her knee which was troubling her when she went ‘downhill and cross country skiing’. This lady followed a simple daily exercise programme of callanetics and stretches. She had tremendous balance on one leg, better than many 20 year olds which intrigued me – letting me in on her secret she revealed the simple solution of practising balance every day and this was “Never to sit down when you put on your knickers or trousers!” David reminded me of this and had seemingly put it into practise ahead of the ski trip to the Alps.

Finally there is a soft and tender side to David – his first introduction to the first ‘granddaughter’, Abigail, was a quiet affair. She was asleep wrapped in her swaddling blanket and David gently held and gazed at her whilst cradling her in one arm. It was not long before he ‘piped up’ – isn’t it amazing that her length is just the same length as my forearm, which goes to show that you can never really put a man of sciences to rest!