David Harris R.I.P
We are very sorry to inform you that our colleague David Harris passed away in hospital around 5am this morning (17th November 2015).
David was apparently in contact with asbestos in his early career but it seemed no medical problems arose until earlier this year. Consequently he underwent a major lung operation. He returned to hospital a few days ago feeling unwell and is thought to have been undergoing further treatment relating to this condition when he passed away this morning.
David gave a lifetime of service to the Brigade and for a good number of years was employed by NHQ as Assistant General Secretary. Whilst holding this role he supported three General Secretaries of the Brigade. Maynard Scott's earliest memory of David was as a fully fit young man on the Brigade’s original Expedition to Iona in 1968 swimming in the sea off the Machair (Iona’s sandy beech). In contrast, my final memory of him will be just nine days ago when attended the Brigade Annual Remembrance Service at the National Memorial Arboretum. David did not realise until the last minute that he had a speaking part in the outdoor ceremony in the Brigade Memorial Garden but despite his obvious frailty he will be remembered for the determined and strong voice he projected when reading the Kohima Epitaph. David’s own name will be read out from the Roll of Remembrance at next year’s service.
This is a double tragedy for the family because David’s sister, Gillian Smith, also a stalwart Brigade officer, died unexpectedly as recently as 1st September. Our prayers go out to the family at this difficult time.
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