Tribute from Vigda, Sabine & Andrew, Nerida, Lindsay

My son Patrick just rang me to let me know about the very sad news of David’s  death, or should I say “release” from a tragic life situation!. Believe me when I tell you that I share your profound sorrow at loosing someone you cared for and loved so much for a long time…

Let me tell you about the David that I met for the first time when he was around 13 years old. We all belonged to the same Club in Doncaster, when we became friendly with the whole Bloom family. Patrick had a lot of common with all the sons, therefore became a friend to all of them. But David being the same age as him, became his brother, best friend and a second son in our midst!. Their Birthdays being days apart, David’s celebrated his own at our place as well, always baking a Birthday cake for Pat…

. After the tragic death of David’s mother, that coincided with his wish to study French, my bond with David became strong as I sincerely wanted to help him with it.

 For a long, long while I dedicated all my Saturdays afternoon for two hours, and sometime even more!,to our French sessions of conversation, grammar and culture. It was a pleasure to me to share my love of French with such an enthousiastic young student. We started exchanging recepies, books, jokes, music, a bit of philosophy of life as he was growing-up. And so, your lovely David became my friend as well as Patrick’s.

 He was such a kind, sensitive and generous soul, that in order to thank me, he invited me to two or three French plays and a magnificent Concert ( ONLY the very best seats for Vigda,  his old teacher, confident and friend).

I offer you dear Ross my very sincere condoleances. I am sure that you gave him your very best till the end. He was lucky to have you in his life!.

I hope and pray that David, now is free from his chains, and  will rest finally in eternal PEACE.

                                 My thoughts are with you; 

                                                  Sincerely,

                                            VIGDA BERNAU

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We were very sorry to hear of David's passing and can only hope that it is a consolation that his suffering is now at an end and that his death was a peaceful one. He was very lucky to have you at his side during this time, and we extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. His death calls to mind a wonderful poem about losing a loved one: 

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little-but not too long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the love that we once shared

Miss me-but let me go

For this is a journey that we all must take

And each must go alone.

It's all part of the Master's plan

A step on the road to home

When you are lonely and sick of heart

Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds

Miss me but let me go.

You remain in our thoughts.

Best wishes,

Sabine and Andrew

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Dear Ross,

I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your soul mate, best friend, your  love and your partner. 

David had the sharpest wit I have encountered. His repartee was so fast you struggled to keep up! How wonderful to have had a soul mate with whom you could really share your love of the arts and music. I will remember him as a brilliant musician and patron of the arts and, of course, the ultimate host for garden parties with sensational cakes."

Love Nerida

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Feb 16

Dear Ross

Thank you for keeping us up to date with David’s news via the blog site. Although of course it was not unexpected, the news that David had succumbed to his illness was saddening to Brent and myself, and our three daughters, all of whom had known David over a long time.

For many years David was my piano expert and we shared coffee and cakes with him in the kitchen regularly after the piano had been tuned and overhauled. These coffee sessions often extended for several hours as we had a great deal of common interests to share. Thus on a regular basis we were kept abreast of progress in the Olinda house and garden transformation, and in particular the health of your splendid veggie patch. Gardening was one of our favourite topics, along with food, of course.

I have a constant reminder of David’s friendship and company over the years. I bought my Thurmer piano from David not long after the move to Olinda. It had been lovingly restored by David himself, and literally every time I sit down to make music I think of the person who tended it so expertly. I have always been grateful to David for encouraging me to buy it for myself to replace the one which left our house with our daughter Margaret when she moved out to her own home.

Please accept our condolences, Ross. I am so very sad for the loss of your partner and friend. David could not have wished for a warmer circle of friends and relations, and for me, my humble efforts at music making will be a constant reminder of a long friendship.

Sincerely Lindsay