David Colaço Osorio

David was a big influence on me, especially in developing an interest in engineering and sailing as a pastime – though pipe smoking came from my grandfather! We were very lucky to have David and Martine as our next door neighbours in Adelaide Road from when I was about seven years old. They were always very supportive, especially to us and our mother Peggy after our father Bernard died in the mid-60s. It is very sad to think David is not with us anymore having been part of my and my family’s life for the last 65 years. We will all miss him.
Kevin McG

Brother David

David was about 5 years older than me which was a huge gap when I was under 10.
He was away at school and I don’t remember him particularly during holidays as he was probably away sailing with Nicky Macgregor or making the cadet in Poole. Looking through my photos I find he was obviously around quite a lot a lot of the time, but actual memories elude me.
He did however teach me all my carpentry skills, but the problem was he was left handed and it wasn’t until many years later I realised the work bench we made had the vice at the wrong end and I learnt to plane left handed or from the wrong end of the bench. We also made a vast leather topped writing desk from old mahogany packing crates. The wood was rubbish and had to be cross planed and sanded by hand (no power tools). All his life he always assumed I knew more than I did which made learning from him a challenge whether it was woodwork or calculus.

Nick

Remembering David’s 90th birthday party at Teddington, 11th May 2024.