The Queen's College Record 2023

David was appointed Pro Vice Chancellor for Research at Sheffield in 1995. This
prestigious but responsible position undertaken with typical commitment, required
long hours of sometimes testing work and diplomacy, and included meeting people
from all sectors of society at social events. This was supported by Diana who he
married following divorce in 1988. This was a busy but interesting time.
David’s scientific passion was the symbiotic relationship between mycorrhizal fungi
and their plant partners and the metabolic pathways by which the fungi obtain
nutrients from the roots of the host trees. He is one of the pioneers in this area of
research. One of his many elected positions was President and Chairman of Council,
British Mycological Society (1989). This happened to overlap with an amateur
interest in Field Mycology by Diana, and many friends were made worldwide in both
academic and amateur arenas, the spoils of the latter often ending up in the pot!
Obituaries
Serving as the editor (1970 to 1983) and then Executive Editor (1983 to 1995) of The
New Phytologist, David elevated its status from a national to international journal.
He was a regular contributor himself; his last paper was published there just two
years before he died.
On retirement, David became a Trustee of the Sheffield Botanical Gardens Trust
and helped to secure a large Heritage lottery fund in 1996 leading to the garden’s
much-needed restoration. Retirement brought time for gardening, cooking (which
David enjoyed along with a love of good wine), and travelling. Having acquired a field
adjoining their garden, David and Diana embarked on a native tree-planting project
and by latter years were enjoying the biodiversity created by the changed habitats.
Following his death, it became clear that David, gentle, level-headed, a true
academic, had had an altruistic and positive influence both on colleagues, family
and friends. Many have written to tell me that he played a pivotal role in the course
of their careers and lives. He faced the trials of ill health with calmness and fortitude
and is missed by all who knew and loved him.
David is survived by his wife Diana, Katie and Tom, his children, and Catherine, Daniel
and Ollie, his stepchildren.
Diana Lewis
College Record 2023 | The Queen’s College 115