With very best wishes to David's family at such a sad time. He was a wonderful man. Two things stand out for me about David. First that he was never swallowed by the academic machine, but had a rare sense of balance which meant university commitments were balanced by life outside. He worked hard, helped his colleagues out (sometimes too much, perhaps; i remember a term when he seemed to be teaching 40 hours a week solid!). He always had loves and interests that extended beyond our often all-consuming academic world - racing for example, but above all his family. Second, David wonderfully combined a sharp, critical intellect, which didn't suffer fools gladly and was willing to fight his corner - with intellectual breadth, kindness and, again, humanity. David was the least domineering or egotistical intellectual i can think of. He was liked and respected by the people he fervently disagreed with. His students were let to go their own way, supported at the important moments according to their needs. But we were never forced to say the things David might have wanted us to say. To me the best tribute to David as teacher and supervisor is that there is no "David Washbrook" school, but a group of his students like me who are extremely grateful we worked with him. I can't of anyone else in our profession I'd want to be like more. And can't believe he isn't around any more for those sharp, smart, light-hearted conversations. Jon Wilson (DPhil student of David's from 1996-2000, and friend)