Rick Lines
05-12 2024 09:35
wrote:
The last time I heard from Dave was on his birthday. September 24th. I’m only realising it was his birthday as I write this. The last time I saw him was the day previously, at a meeting I had organised to help advise a new harm reduction programme I am building here in Wales. Of course Dave was one of the first people I asked to join the project, and of course he said yes. He was always equally committed to helping support local harm initiatives in Wales as he was to flying around the world to participate in high level global drug meetings. In the same way he was equally committed to spending time helping a student talk through a topic or question on drug policy as he was sitting at the table with UN policy makers. That’s just who he was. Caring and committed.
That meeting with Dave a few weeks ago was one of the countless times we had worked together over many years, on big projects and small. I never imagined it would be the last time. His work was so influential in our field, yet you would never know that to meet him. He was always so modest about his contributions. Our movement has so much to thank him for. As do I personally. He was always such a supportive friend and colleague, both while I was in the NGO sector, after I joined him on staff at Swansea University (a job that I got in no small part because of his help) and after I left the uni for a job at Public Health Wales as well. Whether it was a Teams meeting, a coffee on campus or a beer in some international city or conference, you always knew Dave would be in good humour, his bright smile and laugh lighting up the room.
Cath, Poppy, and Fynn, I can’t imagine the loss you’re feeling. I only know my own, and the grief running throughout our global community this week. I have been getting messages from friends. NGO and academic colleagues. Former students. No one can believe it. Everyone is hurting. Tears are being shed around the world for a man who was friend, comrade and mentor to so many of us. Please know that in your own grief that Dave will live on through so many of us who will never forget him. Whenever and wherever the global drug policy family meets next we will hold an empty chair for him. And we will laugh, cry and toast the memory of our dear friend.
Roedd e yn ffrind arbennig iawn.
Rick Lines
05-12 2024 09:35
wrote:
The last time I heard from Dave was on his birthday. September 24th. I’m only realising it was his birthday as I write this. The last time I saw him was the day previously, at a meeting I had organised to help advise a new harm reduction programme I am building here in Wales. Of course Dave was one of the first people I asked to join the project, and of course he said yes. He was always equally committed to helping support local harm initiatives in Wales as he was to flying around the world to participate in high level global drug meetings. In the same way he was equally committed to spending time helping a student talk through a topic or question on drug policy as he was sitting at the table with UN policy makers. That’s just who he was. Caring and committed.
That meeting with Dave a few weeks ago was one of the countless times we had worked together over many years, on big projects and small. I never imagined it would be the last time. His work was so influential in our field, yet you would never know that to meet him. He was always so modest about his contributions. Our movement has so much to thank him for. As do I personally. He was always such a supportive friend and colleague, both while I was in the NGO sector, after I joined him on staff at Swansea University (a job that I got in no small part because of his help) and after I left the uni for a job at Public Health Wales as well. Whether it was a Teams meeting, a coffee on campus or a beer in some international city or conference, you always knew Dave would be in good humour, his bright smile and laugh lighting up the room.
Cath, Poppy, and Fynn, I can’t imagine the loss you’re feeling. I only know my own, and the grief running throughout our global community this week. I have been getting messages from friends. NGO and academic colleagues. Former students. No one can believe it. Everyone is hurting. Tears are being shed around the world for a man who was friend, comrade and mentor to so many of us. Please know that in your own grief that Dave will live on through so many of us who will never forget him. Whenever and wherever the global drug policy family meets next we will hold an empty chair for him. And we will laugh, cry and toast the memory of our dear friend.
Roedd e yn ffrind arbennig iawn.
