To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time.” —Clara Ortega

miss you big brother xxx

Thank you for being a wonderful mentor, colleague and friend. We'll never forget your support, as junior anaesthetists as our college tutor and later as a consultant colleague. It was always a pleasure to be at work with you. I still smile when I read your beautiful pre assessment letters, and feel relieved as I know you would've taken care of everything to make sure the patient was safe for their operation. We'll miss you so much on our nights out, you were always the life and soul of the party and we loved the conversations we'd have on our journeys home. You're very missed in the West Wing, every day. All our love to Liz and the children. Ben and Alice - your daddy was a very special person.

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Thinking of you chief. Everyday. Getting through a lot of candles! We miss you so much. X

Just a lovely, kind and thoughtful man. Sending much love Frances and Ian

David was such a wonderful anaesthetist to work with. He will be a huge miss to us all in the West Wing. I worked alongside him on his last shift and was so shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic news. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones; especially at this sad time. Sleep tight David; gone too soon.

This sad and tragic news is a shock for our whole village. I didn't know David well, only as fellow parent at the school gate and as Liz's husband. At one PTA event, though, where Liz did a brilliant job of hosting the Auction, Dave won the prize of having a tutorial in world politics with me! We had good laugh about this, but not surprisingly he never cashed in on it. If any of the family ever want to do so though, I would be very happy to oblige! Sending love to Liz, Alice, Ben and family xx

I didn’t see David very often but when I did, with all the Birmingham Uni lot, it was always for a happy occasion. There was often lots of food, drinks, singing, dance and late nights involved. And more than anything, loads and loads of laughter and love. He was always a big part of it! David will live in my memory as a very gentle and kind soul. His lovely smile and his love for sailing, his genuine interest in other people’s customs and culture and, more than anything, his love for his little family, will always stay with me. RIP dear Davos, it was a pleasure to meet you! Sonia xx

Always that glint in the eyes, and that big shining smile. Always up for the next adventure, large or small. You were such a lovely person and so great to be around. I know you'll be bringing happiness and joy to others wherever you've gone. Gonna miss you. Josh :)

What really stood out to me about Dave was his dyed-in-the-wool compassion and love for humanity and his drive to reduce suffering. These things and, of course, his sense of fun and cheeky humour. We’re so sorry that we didn’t get more time with you, our lovely friend. Lots of love to you all, Pamela, Steve, Urban and Astrid.

Dear David. A truly gentle man. A wonderful friend, neighbour and colleague. You will be greatly missed by us all. Sleep well and Rest In Peace. Stuart, Jo, Anna and Will

David and I were College Tutors together - such a kind, thoughtful and caring anaesthetist. Gone too soon. Desi

Despite having known David for a long time I hadn't worked with him for two or three years. It was therefore a pleasant surprise when only a few weeks ago we worked a list together. David was planning a mountain bike trip to the French alps and was asking me about it as I had been to this area Skiing. That then got us rambling on about Skiing, another of David's passions.The day flew by.It was a good day.Dave was a genuinely nice guy to work with and I'm glad our paths crossed again that day.Will be missed. Aidan

The photos tell an amazing story but could never do Dave justice - what an appetite for life!! It’s so sad to hear he is gone - but the only compensation must be that he lived life to the full. That is my memory of him - going at full octane from late nights in Selly Oak to camping trips. Always carrying the tune and the party. I have to believe the party just got louder and wilder in heaven and we’ll all join you when our time comes Dave. But the hole you leave here for us is so huge and I am so heartbroken for Liz, Alice and Ben. And the lifelong friend we shared in Frank. Sending our love and hugs to you all from Hooky. Tim, Rachel and Isobel

Whilst I wouldn't have expected 'Dr Dave' to consider me one of his closest friends, like many people who knew him he was always charming, very sociable and happy for a catch up whenever we met. On one occasion I was lucky enough to be invited to the music shed at the bottom of the garden for a late night 'jam' session where I was handed a bass guitar and told to play it. Thankfully the high levels of alcohol numbed our ears, although I'm sure the epic 10min version of 'Love Cats' should have been recorded. A real gent who will be missed by all, our thoughts are with Liz, Alice and Ben Patrick, Emma and Felix

I'm so sorry to miss your send off, David, and I hope it will be a celebration of your life despite everyone's sadness about it being far, far too short. Great memories of working with you in the Radcliffe Infirmary and West Wing, and of you being such a lovely human being. Love to your family, Jane Q

My memory is of a softly spoken, just and fantastic colleague. Technically brilliant as well: on the very day he died I was talking to a trainee about epidurals and, before I heard the news, told them the slickest one I had ever seen was done by David. But most of all perhaps I remember him as the kindest anaesthetist I have met. Hugely missed.

Thank you David for being just a good colleague over the years, your help and advice have been so much appreciated. My thoughts are with your family at this difficult time, you will be very much missed Soumi Ghosh

Oh Dr D, we miss you loads. The laughs, parties, fireworks / bonfires, hilarious stories, endless (often short lived!) hobbies, drone crash landings, leaving the dog in the pub, the silhouette on the computer as we passed each day (apparently doing work emails!) and the odd bit of minor mischief, in fact we miss everything about you apart from your stupidly difficult quiz rounds! Your joie de vivre was infectious and the room always came alive when you arrived. We will do all we can to help your wonderful family through this, with love and care, and slowly get them back to doing all those wonderful things you used to so enjoy doing with them. Miss you. Nick (Bobby), Claire, Charlie, and Soph (and Poppy the lab who you are also partly responsible for!) X

I'll miss you David, even though you insisted we watch mediocre at best Christian Bale Movies in Film club, your infectious enthusiasm and laughter won us all over every time. As a work colleague, you'll be hugely missed, both as a great doctor, but also an all round great bloke. Simon Cudlip

It's just so hard to believe that such a gorgeous funny man has gone....the one half of a fabulous double act that was Liz & Dave..a loving & devoted Dad to Alice & Ben. In our hearts Oxford is our second home...& we love it dearly....& tied to us/Australia/Oxford are the Wolvercote Wilkos....who we love to visit ...who are part of the most precious memories that we hold so close. Dave you will always be remembered & never forgotten. We will continue to get to Wolvercote whenever we can to watch your beautiful family grow & to keep your light shining bright. Our hearts are broken. With love from Melbourne Bec Andrew Bella & Charlotte Buettner 💔

It's just so hard to believe that such a gorgeous funny man has gone....the one half of a fabulous double act that was Liz & Dave..a loving & devoted Dad to Alice & Ben. In our hearts Oxford is our second home...& we love it dearly....& tied to us/Australia/Oxford are the Wolvercote Wilkos....who we love to visit ...who are part of the most precious memories that we hold so close. Dave you will always be remembered & never forgotten. We will continue to get to Wolvercote whenever we can to watch your beautiful family grow & to keep your light shining bright. Our hearts are broken. With love from Melbourne Bec Andrew Bella & Charlotte Buettner 💔

Farewell and adieu to ye old Spanish ladies farewell and adieu ye ladies of Spain, for I've received orders to sail for old England and never will I ever see you again. This was a sea shanty David and I enjoyed singing very much, especially once on his boat after a few old Pultney whiskies. There are so many songs and stories, moments and memories that I don't know where to start. I miss David more than words can say. His death has shocked me and left me adrift. I'm heartbroken for Ben, Alice and Liz. David was a kind, bright light in the world. His death came too soon and I just can't believe it. I have much more to say. But for now, sleep tight, I miss you so much, goodbye my lovely Brother. X

The Evans family will be thinking of the Wilkinson family on the day of David's funeral. We will be remembering David as a schoolboy and then a medical student, as a doctor and a husband and father. We will remember the happy times our two families shared in Stoke Paddock Road. We send our love. Rest in Peace David

The BBQ Meister. That’s how I’ll always remember you David. You were always more than happy to handle the bbq, and feed us all. Happy during gatherings, of which there were so very many get togethers, birthdays, and weddings, with you there. Always carrying your own style, standing out among the crowd (as your cream linen suit among all the black and grey suits will testify!), and you were always up for a laugh. I can’t quite imagine future gatherings, dinners and bbqs without you. Gracious in the face of our gentle teasing (we were Liz’s loyal uni friends after all!), and always ready to welcome us with a big hug. I’ll always remember a certain twinkle in your eye, especially after a few beers. I remember the way you looked at Liz, while she was unaware. Or, after Alice was born, at your housewarming party, when we talked about your newborn, you said: “I’ve never known a love like it, she’s my whole being”. Ben in your words was the apple of your eye. Fatherhood transformed you. You adored your family. David, you were a kind, generous, welcoming and gentle man. And I can’t imagine our future get togethers without you. RIP, dear David. Miriam xxx

Heartfelt condolences to Liz and all the family. David was kind, gentle, funny and enormously likeable. We will miss him but forever treasure the memories. x Marc and Sara Wilkinson and family

Dear Liz I am So heartbroken to just hear of David’s passing . He was the most colleague and respected member of the NITU team , he was so caring and considerate to all his colleagues , I am sending you my sincere heartfelt condolences. Much love ❤️ Mandy Lee ( NITU ex Matron ) and Paul Xxx

Thank you David for being such a wonderful husband to my cousin and god daughter Lizzie and for bringing up your beautiful children Alice & Ben. We will all miss you so much. RIP. Sue G. X

And the amazing fish finger sandwiches! Thank you Dave, you will be missed. Love Bertie X

Dr Dave, as you will forever be known in our household, and my all time favourite bon viveur, you have touched our lives in ways we can not have imagined; the childcare, the first aid tips, your generosity and hilarious nights out! We are taking a while to come to terms with the fact that you are no longer going to be in our lives however you will live on as we will always remember you and enjoy recounting our tales! Love Vicky and the rest of the Doyles. Xxxxx

Dr Dave You were the best child minder ever! Saving me when I whacked my head after falling off a chair, watching Star Wars movies up close and biking adventures! I will miss you. Love Bertie Xx

Dear Dave, You were the epitome of a wonderful and true friend; calm, loyal, funny and kind. Your talents were boundless, you were sincerely a renaissance man. I have so many happy memories and the nice thing is that when I think of my times with you I immediately smile. We had some great laughs and the weight of life and work couldn’t be further from my mind when I was in your company. You always lit up a room. I will never meet anyone again whose laugh was so infectious. I knew that as soon as I got you laughing, the whole body would start shaking and I would end up doing the same with tears in my eyes. We met at Uni 1988, bumped into each other inter-railing in Venice 1990, lived together 1992, danced badly to U2 ‘Bad Live’ in Portugal pre-graduation 1993 and you kept us all up until the early hours on the old guitar at my wedding 1998. I remember you getting your precious chord book out so we could do ‘riders on the storm’ when no-one else wanted it on many occasions! You taught me to juggle with Frank in Hereford DGH 1992 and latterly when we camped with young families I was always impressed with your al fresco aloo gobi! Thanks to you and Liz for coming to my 50th, 2019. I think I introduced you and Liz (or at least encouraged the relationship) at Birmingham Uni – yes you ended up knowing 2 people from Rotherham and not many people can say (or tolerate) that!! Alice and Ben, your dad was simply marvellous. One second in his company was never a second wasted. Love to Liz and all Dave’s fam (what a great 21st in Stoke Paddock!!’) Miss you Dave (aka ‘Terry’) Much love, Just (aka ‘Scrote’) xxx

Aaah Davos this makes me so sad to have to write this. So many fun fun memories I had such a blast with you in Greece at Athena and Manolo’s wedding it puts such a massive grin on my face to see all the photos from that trip folks have posted here. So many fantastic times that was really capped when we were able to get everyone together – with kids – for that amazing weekend at what shall always be know as “ The Castle” I loved seeing my girls playing with Alice and Ben and all the other kids . It was a truly amazing opportunity to see how far we had come, and how long we had been in each other’s lives. I am very grateful for the moments we were able to share my friend , and miss you sir. Harry

David, you were my oldest friend and I miss you so much. Since our university days, we didn't see each other very often, but when we did it was always so easy and wonderful to be with you. So many great memories of fun and laughter from our days spent at your old house in Stoke Paddock Road and mine in nearby Kewstoke Rd. I'll remember our skiing holidays, our guitar playing and our friendship and so much more. Rest in peace David. My love and deepest sympathy to your wonderful family in this very difficult time. Roy x

David, your Mum and Dad have always been so proud of you . You were a beautiful and good baby and you simply breezed through school and University life to reach the pinnacle of your chosen career as as an Anaesthetist . We will never forget you and will always love you….. until we meet again ….. Mum and Dad x

Thank you, David, for helping to give me two amazing and wonderful grandchildren of whom I’m immensely proud.

Dear Liz, so sorry to hear this tragic news. My thoughts are with you and your children. I have so many wonderful memories of time in Australia, working with Dave and all of us living life to the full on the Sunshine Coast. I will hunt out some photos to share. With lots of love Ellie xx

So sorry to hear this. Your family is the best forever in Oxford in my mind. Thank you so much for teaching me how to play rugby, set a bon-fire, cook British style stir fry, and so many things......! R.I.P, I will miss you. Yuchien

Liz, I am so terribly sorry to hear of the sad passing of David. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Let me know if you need anything at all. Karen xx

Along with my family and my long-distance girlfriend Grace from Indonesia (whom I have told about David and your family, and how great and kind all of you are), I send my deepest condolences and we are sorry for the loss. David will be greatly remembered and he will always be in everyone's hearts. He will never be forgotten and he will always be with you! The Ones that Love us Never Really Leave Us.

Dearest Liz and family. I was so sorry to hear this news. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. With love and very best wishes, Bernard x

It was a joy to work with you for years within Neuro ICU and you will be sorely missed RIP xx

My dearest Davos, I can’t even remember when we started calling you Davos (possibly Greece 2000?) but you tolerated it for years with your familiar good humour! There are so many memories. From meeting you in our second year at B’ham (as you charmed both Liz and her suspicious housemates with your wit, booming laugh and impressive guitar skills) to your tremendous wedding day when we bombarded you with cries of ‘play Talking ‘bout a revolution, Daviiiiiid!!’ as you attempted to play your guitar on stage without interruption. You sighed, laughed and then played it for us like a pro, rolling your eyes all the while. It still remains my ‘Liz & David song’ to this day, nearly 20 years later. And in the last few years, always there with a big hug and a grin when I flitted in and out of your kitchen and home and of course in the last 12 months, always wandering around in the background of every Zoom call with Liz, just randomly fixing stuff!! Alice and Ben are such a credit to you and I see you already reflected so much and so often in both of them. This has been such an unfathomable and heartbreaking loss for us all but what a brilliantly beautiful life you led and such a great example you set us all in how to live it fully and without fear! Sleep well, my friend - I’ll miss you. Vix xx

At a fabulous feisty bar in Fitzroy, 2004. Conrad Savage: so very dark, so very miserable… You somehow maintained a straight thoughtful face, whilst Liz and I had the giggles for the entire performance. At the Esplanade Hotel in St Kilda, 2005. Dirty, sticky carpet. Front bar. Keane: Somewhere Only We Know. Loud. Earbuds. New sound. Will never forget the tone and the wonder. Thank you David X

David, you were a true gentleman who liked Caboolture of all places and pulled off a mean Aussie accent. Your love for Liz, first, and then your gorgeous kids was inspiring. We remember meeting you for the first time in Japan, then again here in Australia. The last time we saw you all in 2018 was such a joy. You hadn’t changed a bit. You will be so dearly missed and we promise to take care of Liz,Alice and Ben somehow despite the physical distance that separates us. Rachael

We had the privilege of meeting you in Chuo machi, Japan, when you came to visit Liz. Everyone liked you instantly, not just because you were a great person, but also because you were with Liz, who everyone also loved! Then after a few years, we saw you all in your lovely Oxford home in 2017, before we moved away again. We promise to stay in touch with Liz and the family. Rest In Peace, David. Your life was full of action, energy and love. What a remarkable man! Xx

I keep picturing his cheeky laugh when he found his own jokes really funny, where he’d throw his head back briefly. So infectious. I love him and I’m so glad he knew it. X

David, I’ll miss you so much. You were a great friend, cheerful and funny and never letting yourself be beaten. At work, you were first rate and always to be counted on. Sleep well my friend. Tom Parry