MIKE TRACE
25-11 2024 19:34
wrote:
So, so sorry Cath, Poppy and Fynn. It is so cruel to lose such a special person so young. As others have said, Dave has been a massive presence for hundreds of people around the world, and one of the reasons he has had such respect is the evident love he had for his family, and the pride he showed in his kids as they grew into adulthood.
Right back in the early 2000’s, when we were all trying to work out exactly what was wrong with global drug policy, and what good people could do about it, I learnt so much from Dave. No fanfare, just good research and good sense delivered with class and warmth. Dave had high level professional respect, but was also the best company when work was done. We all got great strength from his ability to put some of the bombast and pomposity of the international politics in its place with a well aimed piss take or a story from Pennard.
We remember fondly that hike down Samaria Gorge which became the birth (or, more accurately, the conception – get that image out of your mind) of the International Drug Policy Consortium. But less remembered is our decision the day before to go for a quick dip in the sea in the lunch break of Thanasis Apostolou’s drug policy summit. Back then, I thought I was pretty healthy, but I had to turn back for a lie down when it became apparent that Dave’s idea of a quick dip was a mile long fast swim to the headland and back. Handsome, clever, and incredibly fit – really annoying. He also claimed to be a skilled surfer, but to be honest all I witnessed was him sitting on the horizon for hours waiting for a wave, so I will have to take his word on that one.
As he battled cancer with characteristic calm and humour, I checked in from time to time to hear the ups and downs and offer useless advice. Simple leisurely chats over pints at the pub in Rhosilli, (weirdly) the hotel opposite Swansea prison, and the King Arthur in Reynoldston, now take on deep meaning. Indeed, a lovely late summer evening at the King Arthur is the last time I saw him, and I will remember it fondly – conscious of the battle he was fighting, but looking like George Clooney, laughing like a drain, and dismantling the hypocrites – he was on great form.
You guys must know how Dave was important to many people in so many places. He certainly had a deep impact on my life and work. What a man.
MIKE TRACE
25-11 2024 19:34
wrote:
So, so sorry Cath, Poppy and Fynn. It is so cruel to lose such a special person so young. As others have said, Dave has been a massive presence for hundreds of people around the world, and one of the reasons he has had such respect is the evident love he had for his family, and the pride he showed in his kids as they grew into adulthood.
Right back in the early 2000’s, when we were all trying to work out exactly what was wrong with global drug policy, and what good people could do about it, I learnt so much from Dave. No fanfare, just good research and good sense delivered with class and warmth. Dave had high level professional respect, but was also the best company when work was done. We all got great strength from his ability to put some of the bombast and pomposity of the international politics in its place with a well aimed piss take or a story from Pennard.
We remember fondly that hike down Samaria Gorge which became the birth (or, more accurately, the conception – get that image out of your mind) of the International Drug Policy Consortium. But less remembered is our decision the day before to go for a quick dip in the sea in the lunch break of Thanasis Apostolou’s drug policy summit. Back then, I thought I was pretty healthy, but I had to turn back for a lie down when it became apparent that Dave’s idea of a quick dip was a mile long fast swim to the headland and back. Handsome, clever, and incredibly fit – really annoying. He also claimed to be a skilled surfer, but to be honest all I witnessed was him sitting on the horizon for hours waiting for a wave, so I will have to take his word on that one.
As he battled cancer with characteristic calm and humour, I checked in from time to time to hear the ups and downs and offer useless advice. Simple leisurely chats over pints at the pub in Rhosilli, (weirdly) the hotel opposite Swansea prison, and the King Arthur in Reynoldston, now take on deep meaning. Indeed, a lovely late summer evening at the King Arthur is the last time I saw him, and I will remember it fondly – conscious of the battle he was fighting, but looking like George Clooney, laughing like a drain, and dismantling the hypocrites – he was on great form.
You guys must know how Dave was important to many people in so many places. He certainly had a deep impact on my life and work. What a man.
