David Whitebread

So sorry to hear about the loss of David, he was so much fun always professional and, loved by his many students. I consider working with David a pleasure and particularly liked his out of office emails. My condolences to all David's family, he will be sadly missed Ann Waterman

The early childhood community has lost an amazing scholar. David was creative, insightful, practical and kind. Above all, he had intellectual integrity and a commitment to making the world a better place. He is sorely missed.

David was a big inspiration during my undergraduate studies and into my research career in children's play. Thank you David for all your brilliant work and dedication. You have brought light to a lot of lives.

I was shocked and deeply saddened when I received the news of David's sudden death. David and I (with a few other Cambridge colleagues) co-founded an early years mathematics education company in which he served as our Chief Education Advisor. I am impressed not only by his kindness, but also by his energy and his passion for teaching children mathematics through storytelling. Indeed, he was very fond of writing stories with mathematics. He was also very excited when he learnt about our next research project in rural India and reminded me to leave it to him to take care of that project when the time is ready. It is really a big pity that he could not lead that meaningful project for us. David will be deeply missed by our company and colleagues.

I appreciated David's compassion, generosity, and sense of humor. He was a friend, colleague, and trusted mentor. His legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched over the years.

So sorry to know Dave has gone such a lovely Dad I could tell. And quite close at Keele and so pleased I was invited to one of his birthdays.So full of life with a sense of humour that always kept you on your toes.Really liked talking with him at the Reunions. So young in mind and such a loss for wonderful Linda and his family.Will remember him with great fondness and admiration of his cleverness and curiosity about the world. A true intellectual with no pretensions so genuine.

Very saddened to hear this news. I have now been teaching for 3 years, prior to which I had exhausted all of David's research articles advocating play in my assignments and dissertations at university. He ignited my determination to seek out change in the Early Years sector and to be a true campaigner of learning through play! Your wisdom and voice in this sector will be missed! Rest in peace x

David's important voice in our field will be sorely missed. With sympathy and love to his family, Tricia