David Laurence King (17 May 1943 - 19 May 2020)

Fire safety oracle. Great personality. Will be missed by many. RIP

In memory of Dave a wonderful friend. Deepest sympathies to Mary and his family. A true gentleman.

In memory of David, a long standing member of IFPO, well respected within the fire industry and sadly missed by all who knew him.

Thanks for your friendship over the years and working advice during that time.

Such a sad time losing a great friend and colleage who I first met back in 1969. Remembering the good times we all had
RIP my good friend Dave

I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Dave King, my condolences to Dave’s family. I worked at the National Hospital as manager of the Audio Visual Services Unit from 1985 and remember him as a very active and enthusiastic fire officer. His fire extinguisher courses were memorable events. A group would be assembled from several departments and we would go to Wakefield Street where equipment had been prepared in the large courtyard. Dave could then instruct us in the best way to tackle fires and how best to use fire extinguishers. He would set light to a metal tray of flammable liquid and then we would each attempt to fire off an extinguisher to extinguish the flames. The force and sound of some extinguishers did frighten some of the folk attending the course but this was good practice for us. These were serious things but Dave made them interesting and lightened the mood with his dry humour. I also sat in with him at a number of meetings when I was involved with designing new premises for the AV Services Department when we were twice relocated during my term of service. My senior photographer Jackie Powell, also now retired, wishes to add her condolences to Dave’s family.

I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Dave King, my condolences to Dave’s family. I worked at the National Hospital as manager of the Audio Visual Services Unit from 1985 and remember him as a very active and enthusiastic fire officer. His fire extinguisher courses were memorable events. A group would be assembled from several departments and we would go to Wakefield Street where equipment had been prepared in the large courtyard. Dave could then instruct us in the best way to tackle fires and how best to use fire extinguishers. He would set light to a metal tray of flammable liquid and then we would each attempt to fire off an extinguisher to extinguish the flames. The force and sound of some extinguishers did frighten some of the folk attending the course but this was good practice for us. These were serious things but Dave made them interesting and lightened the mood with his dry humour. I also sat in with him at a number of meetings when I was involved with designing new premises for the AV Services Department when we were twice relocated during my term of service. My senior photographer Jackie Powell, also now retired, wishes to add her condolences to Dave’s family.

I was so sorry to hear of Daves passing , and that Covid 19 had taken him. I spent my career in the NHS , and it was as a Deputy Hospital Administrator/Acting Hospital Manager wuth the Hospitals for Sick Children that I first met Dave, ( I managed the Queen Elizabeth Hosp branch in Hackney ). Cany believe it was as long ago as around 1985 0r 86. We hit it off right away- professionally in his role as a fantastic Fire Officer-we worked on lots , including an on call handbook, but socially as well , enjoying wining and dining !. Hard to keep up sometimes . He sometimes did palm reading/fortune telling , which I didnt take seriously, until I got back from a job interview and he told me before and after I had got the job!. I did. I remember his fast driving , including flooring his Mercedes on a certain road. We never fell out only had a slight arguement, when he was helping me buy a boat, and I refused to let him crew unless he refrained from smoking . I went without him. A kind, generous , lovely man, it was a priviledge to know him. He will be much missed. RIP Dave.

I worked with Dave at both the National and GOSH. He was a legend and a friend to everyone. He is sadly missed.

In memory of dear David a very kind and dear friend.

In loving memory of David. Love to Mary and family.

you were a good mate RIP Bob

I first met Dave when I joined GOSH as a work experience pupil. What quickly developed was a friendship that I treasured. We often spent our tea breaks together putting the world to rights and he was the first person I called when I moved to another NHS organisation and was worried about the fire safety arrangements.
Dave later became a friend to my husband and we have such fond memories of the stories and sentiments that we shared.

Rest in peace Dave you were a GOS legend . Your infinite knowledge, wisdom and brilliant sense of humour even in adversity will never be forgotten. It was a pleasure working with you over so many years, so sorry your retirement was so cruelly ended.
My thoughts and love to Mary, your boys and all of the family

Very best wishes

Caroline

I’m not sure I can add anymore to what everyone else has so eloquently said apart from the worlds lost one of the good guys. Thanks for the memories Dave and being one of the nicest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with - you were and will be remembered as a true gentleman xxx

Rest in peace Dave. Xx

I met David when I went to G.O.S.H and National Hospital as Security Manager in 1997. He at once became a very close friend and taught me all I know about both hospitals. We shared 'on call' work and he was such a great help to me.
David...we'll miss you so much. Condolences to Mary and all family.

Never known anybody that could make a disaster so enjoyable!

Rest in peace, David.

Rest in peace David

Rest in peace David.

In memory of my wonderful brother-in-law David. Sadly missed. God Bless.

Steve xxxx

Memories of time with Dave are all good. He was always there as a colleague and a friend, supportive during the stressful times and very entertaining with his sense of humour during our time at GOSH.
Our thoughts are with Mary and Dave’s family and friends.