I was lucky enough to be taught by David at Newcastle Royal Grammar School from 1966 to 1972.  I wasn't a natural classicist, though he successfully steered me through Latin and Greek O levels and the necessary A grade in a Latin Translation and Roman History A level.  Not to mention coaching me to triumph in several years of regional Greek and Latin recitation competitions.  But what I really remember about those years, for which I'm truly grateful, is the way he taught, the way he related his subject to the wider world and wider culture, the way he encouraged me to think and helped teach me how to think for myself.  It was because of David, in particular, that I read serious literature beyond the school curriculum - such as Solzehnitsyn - and explored music that I'd otherwise not have turned my ear towards.  He was a truly inspiring teacher, who had far more influence on me, my (very different) career and my ways of thinking than he realised.  I am so glad that I had the chance to thank him personally eighteen months ago, and so sorry that I won't be able to do so again.