I was very sad to see this announcement from Simon Drage, London Lib Dems’ Liaison Officer, on Facebook today. It’s reproduced with his permission:
Very sadly David MacDonald who until recently was Constituency Manager for Paul Burstow and Organiser for Sutton and Cheam, as well as a Vauxhall Member, died following an epileptic seizure on Saturday. David was an energetic campaigner and a generous friend. He went out of his way to help his colleagues across London and beyond and as well as his duties in Sutton took on being the parliamentary candidate for his home town of Burton this year. He was also elected by his fellow constituency organisers to be their representative on the staff liaison committee. He had formidable skills running committee rooms, most recently helping run one of the committee roooms in the successful campaigns in the Wallington South by-election (in Carshalton & Wallington) and the Grove by-election (Kingston).
The response to Simon’s message has shown that David, who was just 28, was very well loved and respected by colleagues all over the country. They speak of someone who was always willing to give help and guidance. I know that many of you reading this will know David. Please feel free to share your own memories, or pay tribute, in the comments.
If anyone wants to send a message to David’s family, send me an email at [email protected] and I’ll ask Simon to send you their contact details.
Much sympathy from all of us at LDV Towers to everyone close to David.
* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
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9 Comments
Every time I read this or see this news I become sad once more. David was a kind, lovely person and a really committed Liberal. He was always willing to help, cheerful and a great drinking pal too! We shall miss him greatly. xx
I didn’t know David, but it is very sad news. Thoughts with his family and friends.
David was one of the good guys. He brought a lot of us together, fostering relationships that will last. He was the first person to call round on May 8th this year, just to see how we were holding up even when his own seat was lost and he was supporting his own team. He was always positive and determind and a faithful friend. The party is poorer for the loss of his laugh, commitment, humour and kindness..
david was one of the good guys-a dedicated campaigner and aquality human being
This is shocking, distressing and tragic news. I know that he would have been in the vanguard of the Lib Dem recovery. He was always encouraging, enthusiastic, politically astute and most of all cheerful. He gave me wise advice and fascinating research work during both my internships in 2013 and 2015 . My thought and sincere sympathies are with his parents, family and friends at this difficult and sad time. He was taken from us much too soon.
So very sad that anyone should die that young – and from epilepsy, a condition we still need to do much more about. RIP.
I was fortunate to meet him once. Clearly a passionate Lib Dem and a nice guy. He will be sadly missed.
I only met David once but would like to echo other comments made here and elsewhere. This is a really tragic event and my thoughts extend to his closest friends and family.
On a less personal note, he is a massive loss to the Lib Dem fightback and I am sure his colleagues will miss him most acutely during this time for many reasons.
Absolutely devastated by this news. I worked with David during my time with the Sutton and Cheam Liberal Democrats and we stayed in touch after I left. David was a wonderful manager, mentor and friend and it is a tragedy that he has left us at the age of only 28. My thoughts are David’s family, friends and partner Sarah.