Stephen DREW
posted 23/03/2020
David Briggs, my prep school headmaster, was a warm, humane, affectionate and sympathetic presence in my life from my first day at King's, when I was nine, until his last day on earth, a period of over sixty years. God bless him for his kindness to me and to so many of those he taught and took care of.
Mags Wright
posted 23/03/2020
I Praise God for David who shone of the love, compassion, grit, perseverance, kindness and so much more of the characters of our Lord Jesus. And, through troubled waters showed me Jesus is enough. His lovely smile and hugs will be so, so missed. Roger and I look forward to seeing him again when we arrive home too. Mary and David are together with their Lord and Saviour. Or loss but heaven's gain. Xxx
Flora Brooke
posted 23/03/2020
Our thoughts are with all the Briggs family at this exceptionally difficult time.
love, Flora, Nick, Sophie and Orlando
Suzanne
posted 24/03/2020
David it was an honour to know you. A devoted loving family man who also grew to love me too as I did you. I will miss you so much David and I will never forget you. Rest in peace my darling X
Helen Packman
posted 24/03/2020
I only met David in January this year, when I went to keep him company for an hour or so. It was an honour and a privilege to meet and converse with him. In spite of his good age, his mind was sharp, his humour and wit ready. I shall always remember him.
Alan Strange
posted 25/03/2020
A man with whom I had so little contact, yet made such a vast impression.
Alan Bannister
posted 25/03/2020
RIP - You were a great man.
Hugh Spencely
posted 27/03/2020
Very happy memories of JDB I sang in the chapel choir at Bryanston 1949-1954. and eventually got O level Latin. May your soul rest in peace and thank you for all you did for a teenager all those years ago.
Ursula Vickerton
posted 27/03/2020
You don't know me. But my Mother Catherine Staunton known as Rena died on new years eve, 31 Dec 2019. We had to wait due to backlogs until 28 Jan (her 94th birthday) to have a funeral Mass in Hendon at a RC Church we had never been to and then burial after a few graveside prayers with her husband of over 50 years. In the meantime at our local parish, in North Lincolnshire, where she had lived her last 2.5 years, a week before on Tuesday 21 Jan, we took over the usual weekly mass at 9.30 am, and remembered her, sang a few hymns without music and I told the 25 or 30 there including those from her care home and little about her and shared Tea Coffee and Cakes, which I had sorted/ baked the day before.
You gave your Father the best family send off with you all gathered around him and later gathered in simple prayers in the graveyard. Later you can have a memorial service, which in many ways can be simple, does not need funeral directors or a coffin. A good Picture or photo, people he cared for gathered, prayers readings and some simple refreshments.
This might be an Irish tradition, generally people have a funeral over there within 3 or 4 days of a death. No orders of service, news spread by word of mouth.. people gather and face up to the loss together. Afterwards Masses are arranged and said for the person who has died and their family, letter received and Small memorial cards prepared which are shared around family and friends for with a picture of the person or couple, dates and places of birth, death, burial and a few simple prayers on the reverse. I have found writing back to people and including these little memorial cards which were easy and inexpensive for a local printer to do helped me complete by thanking the people.
Thinking of you in your loss, I am sure very difficult. However you are not alone and a memorial service later in the year perhaps middle of summer or a significant date will I feel sure be possible and a fitting tribute to your Father. May he rest in peace and rise in Glory.
Ursula Barton upon Humber
Roger Hatton (Dorset 1949-1953)
posted 27/03/2020
David Briggs was my Latin Master at Bryanston.
He organised a visit by several of us to Evensong at Kings College.
Early on a cold February morning in 1952 I brought to him the news of the death of King George VI.
Seated at his usual desk in the large History Room he received the news from me with kindness but much sadness.
The whole room then stood to hear the news.
The visit to Kings has been remembered with gratitude for my entire life, along with a love of learning which was his priceless gift to many of us.
Penelope Rowland
posted 28/03/2020
I didn't know David but found his obituary in Tuesday's Telegraph so interesting. I have listened to Kings's Carol Service every year since I was a child and love the opening solo.
Sorry all the funeral plans went wrong but I am sure you have wonderful memories of David.
I will now re-read Anne's books.
Best wishes
Stephanie Duchesne
posted 28/03/2020
I had both the honour and privilege to have met David Briggs nine years ago while working in the Atkins' home, where he quickly became my teacher and friend. He taught me Latin and Greek, but more importantly, he taught me the importance of patience, kindness, and listening.
When I relocated back to Canada, David and I remained in touch via post, and remained pen pals for eight years. He would write to me as often as he could, sharing on his life, his family, and including any news paper articles he thought I might enjoy. David also sent me birthday cards every year, the last of which arrived just recently on my thirtieth birthday, dated March 9th.
David Briggs was an amazing man who lived a remarkable life and he will be remembered as such.
Tim Goetz
posted 30/03/2020
JDB taught me Latin at Bryanston about 70 years ago. He also supervised my contribution to the building of the Greek Theatre. He was always calm, kind and considerate. I did not realise that he was a Conscientious Objector so was probably very disappointed when I gave up Pioneering to join the Sea Cadet Corps and eventually the Royal Navy. Sorry JDB.
Fatmatu Bah
posted 06/04/2020
I am sadden by the departure of a dear friend Mr David John Briggs. He was greatly loved, respected and admired by the team of carers that worked with him. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time. Please accept our sincere condolence and wish that Anne and the rest of the family will find some comfort as you all deal with your lose.
With Best Regards
Fatima
Former Team Leader
First 2 Care
