Obituary: David Bourne
Posted on behalf of: School of Life Sciences
Last updated: Friday, 24 February 2017
Dave Bourne, who served for 20 years in various roles in the University, died on 22 January.
Dave began working for the University as a porter before moving into the stores in SciTech as a technician in 2001. He became the stores supervisor in the School of Life Sciences in 2010.
Dr Teresa Knapp, his former manager, says: “Dave joined my team to manage the newly merged science stores after a period of restructuring at the University. I was delighted at this appointment, as his reputation as an excellent stores manager had preceded him.
“Dave was a consummate professional, always seeking to improve things for the service. He managed to provide excellent service to a huge range of people, whilst at the same time dealing with people with humanity, dignity and respect.
“Believe me, anybody in a role such as Dave’s that principally involves dealing with people will meet a great range of issues and challenges on a daily basis. Dave always managed to turn round any situation with his steady politeness and persistence. He was an incredibly safe pair of hands for every occasion and I loved working with him.”
Dave loved his job, his sport and his cycling - each of which helped defined Dave as a person.
His family were pivotal to everything he did. His children - Craig, Brett and Shannon - and his lovely wife Jo were the guiding lights and motivation for him each and every day of his life.
Dave was that rare human being who touched and inspired everyone who knew him, and he will be much missed by all his friends and colleagues.
All friends and former colleagues are welcome to attend his funeral service on Friday (24 February) at 11am at Downs Crematorium in Brighton. There will be a wake afterwards at the Downs Hotel.