David DUCKWORTH Obituary

Dear Dad,
you were such a wonderful, loving, courageous and caring dad. You lightened up our lives with your wit and stories. You were always supportive of our many adventures and along with Mum, you fostered a robust, resilient and independent spirit which lives with us today. Your courage and spirit in the face of adversity, especially towards the end, was humbling. Your legacy lives on in all of us. Kia Kaha. Love, Carol. X

I first met David on my second day at GKN, on an awayday to check out facilities for a Group export conference. Thanks to David's non-stop joviality I knew at once the world of work was going to be fun.
Like many others I looked forward to his informative and entertaining Christmas letters, and in November 2015 my husband Dick and I had the good fortune to park our holiday motor home in the drive of David and Margaret's rebuilt house. It was wonderful to be able to hear that infectious laugh again and share a little of their happy lives in Christchurch.
We will all miss you David, but thank you for enriching so many lives. xx

Sad to hear of David's end of life. My sincere condolences to Margaret, Thirl, Carol and their families. He will be missed by all who knew him. No more "Letter from New Zealand". With best wishes to all his family.

My earliest memory of my Uncle David was a weekend when he had to share the spare room with me at his parents flat in Chelsea. In the morning, rather early no doubt, I was unable to open the tin of biscuits my Granny had left in my cot so Plan B was to hurl this at my uncle in the hope he could oblige! Of course he did! I also remember being a bridesmaid at he and Margaret's wedding which I found to be great fun! Apparently I spent much time trying to assist the caterers at the reception! He was also my Godfather and was always "there for me" over the years. All my dramas and crises through life were backed up with caring words of wisdom and often much appreciated advice. I feel quite bereft now but so many happy memories and he will live on in our hearts.

Such a shock to hear the sad news of David this morning and our hearts go out especially to Margaret but also the whole family. In retirement David was an inspirational speaker and motivator of the next generation of Stoics (pupils of Stowe School) sharing his experience and knowledge of his international career with skill, interest and humour. Holding the attention of over 100 sixth formers for an hour is not a skill possessed by many, a feat achieved by David effortlessly. I was fortunate to have met David in this context and was privileged to maintain contact with him, albeit electronically, once he and Margaret moved to New Zealand. He leaves a void in so many people's lives but his legacy will live on.

So sorry to receive the sad news but as David died peacefully in his sleep he would feel no pain. Many happy memories and adventures. With love .

I was very sad to learn of David's passing and my condolences go to his family who must miss him greatly. I had the privilege of working for David in the late 1960's and 70's and benefitted from his knowledge and experience as well as his good humour and good nature. David was always good company. I have enjoyed debating issues with him over the years and more latterly by email. I often thought of David during my working life as I deployed some of the techniques David taught me.
David was a very special man and will always be in my memory.

I will miss this exceptional man: an inspiration to so many 'where'er the sun'. My heart goes out to the family he loved so dearly.

Margaret and all the family. I am so sorry to receive your sad news. David was a great friend and much valued colleague on our export development programme. So sadly missed. My very best wishes to you all . John

I wish I had connected with David earlier in life but I treasure the memories of the few times we did catch up. A special man, witty, kind and keen to share his knowledge. I will miss him x

I understood (even as a child) what an incredibly able and lovely uncle I had. The pearls of wisdom shared eg as a young officer in Korea he noted & acknowledged the birthdays of all his men. I have done this with all my teams throughout my career. He was delighted my husband Evan knew both Greek & Latin, albeit that Evan's attainment was somewhat short of his own! My abiding memory will be the family lunches with his infectious laugh & beaming smile through a haze of smoke and streaming sunlight - my father smoked cigars ! Thank heavens for our special visit 21/1 - it was a magic time for Evan, Andrew & I.
Lots of love from us all
Sara x

I am thinking of you all and dear David. Lots of love from your cousin David.

Dearest Dad - you were so special - kind and generous, always up for an intellectual discussion, you valued timeliness and self respect, you faced challenges with humor and determination. You live on in all of us. All my Love - Thirl