94
Suffolk Natural History, Vol. 50
A personal tribute to the memory of David Ridley Nash, 1942-2014 It is with much regret that S.N.S. announces the death of David Nash; who was, from 1986 the county recorder of Coleoptera. David passed away on 25th of March this year, at Ipswich hospital, after a battle with cancer. David lived for most of his life in the Ipswich-Lawford-Brantham area, and from an early age took a deep interest in the natural world, that remained with him for the rest of his life. He attended Northgate Grammar School for boys during the years 1953-1959, and it was during this period that he struck up a friendship, that was to last for the rest of his life with S.N.S. council member, Colin Hawes, to whom he became mentor for practical chemistry. After qualifying at teacher training college, he took a teaching post at Harwich School; teaching Biology, eventually becoming coordinator for the education of pupils with learning difficulties; he was well liked by both pupils and staff. It was, at various school associated functions, that David displayed a rather surprising talent, of being an accomplished guitarist. He had an enduring and deep knowledge of Jazz. David never married, preferring to lead the bachelor life, and devoting much of his time to the study and observation of Coleoptera. His numerous publications of his finds, were published in the “Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society” and other local and nationally acclaimed journals. It was through his publications that he acquired a great many like minded friends, both locally, and nationally known Entomologists. I first made David’s acquaintance many years ago, when I started to take an interest in Suffolk’s Coleoptera; he was a great help to me, mentoring me in the finer aspects of Coleopterology. I will always remember his unflagging patience and help, nothing was too much trouble, and he will be fondly remembered by my wife and me. I am sure that all who knew David will agree that his kindness, generosity and dry sense of humour will long remain in our memories. Our sincere condolences are sent to his cousins in Wiltshire an Ireland and to his much loved God-daughter Claire Moore. David you are much missed by all your friends. In the waning year, potters a Coleopterist, poking through yellow leaves (With apologies to W.H.Auden The old man’s road). Nigel StJohn Cuming
Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 50 (2014)