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No.54 - January 2003 | Contex HOME FROM THE CHAIR ROSE BAILLIE DAVID HARDING I am very sorry to have to tell readers that David Harding, our hard-working and enthusiastic Hon Treasurer, died shortly before Christmas at the early age of 65. David was a new member when he heard in 1997 that COLAS was in need of a Treasurer and he volunteered, although already Treasurer of his church. He took up the role with great enthusiasm and it was not long before our accounts were computerised and he was working out ways to produce labels for posting Context on his home PC. During David’s first year COLAS began to raise money for the London Archaeological Archive and Research Centre. One day he opened a solicitor’s letter and a cheque for £200,000 fell out. Our financial affairs had suddenly become a great deal more complicated, but David was thrilled to bits. He was responsible for managing this wonderful donation for 3 years and under his careful stewardship it grew by over £32,000. Few people deserved their invitation to the LAARC’s opening in February last year more than he. It was shortly after this that David began to feel unwell and he was eventually diagnosed with leukaemia and cancer. David was aware that there was little that could be done to remedy his condition and he made a typically conscientious and unselfish effort to hand over our financial records in the most up-to-date form possible. He bore his fatal affliction with marvellous fortitude and forbearance, being supported throughout by his family and comforted by his deeply held Christian faith. David was a simply lovely person and he will be very greatly missed, by COLAS, by his many friends and above all by his family, to whom we send our sincere condolences. He will be remembered by all who knew him with affection and respect for his unfailing good humour and integrity: a shining example of a life well lived. |
