David Sills (1970)

John (1962) and Michael (1967) Sills write:

Our brother David, was the third of four sons who all followed their father into Medicine. Born in Cambridge on 25^th February 1951, he attended The Perse School from 1958 - 1969. He proved himself to be quick thinking and gifted, academically and musically, with the drive and courage to excel at sport. Possessing an engaging and outgoing personality he was uniquely popular. He excelled at Rugby and Cricket and was also a keen dinghy racer at weekends, whilst also finding the time to play guitar in local rock bands.

As an indication of his talents he passed his driving test within days of his 17^th birthday, and was granted a Flying Scholarship through the School Combined Cadet Force and gained his Private Pilot’s Licence. He loved flying, would have loved to have been a Spitfire Pilot and might have considered a career in the RAF had the reality of his being so tall not meant his feet would be at risk if he needed to eject.

He was awarded a place at Queens’ to study Medicine where many of his other talents were recognized. A powerful and inventive second row forward it is said he might have gained a “Rugby Blue”, however a serious knee injury intervened and this hope was dashed.  

He moved on to St Bartholomew’s Hospital London and qualified as a Doctor in 1976. However, despite showing considerable academic ability, he decided that for him exams were over and life was to take preference.

He was determined to serve like his father and elected to pursue a career in General Practice. To this end he took up training posts in the Southend area. There he had the fortune to meet Sally and they married in 1981 enjoying a wonderful partnership and eventful life together.

Becoming a Partner in a Local Practice he soon established himself as an effective, approachable and respected Family Doctor with the ability to listen and get to the heart of issues.

Sociable and extrovert by nature he became known as “Big Dave” in the community, and was a pillar of the local Golf Club where he spent much of his retirement hours. He adored Sally and she was supremely supportive of him in his career and home life, they were blessed with 4 children and then 7 grandchildren. They loved family, friends and being generous and affable all were welcome at their house. They were inveterate and adventurous travellers, on many occasions to the Far East, with many a tale to tell.

Sadly David fell ill suddenly at New Year 2023, he was found to have aggressive prostate cancer which failed to respond to treatments. He decided to come home and all 4 brothers were able to spend some time together.

He died peacefully on 27^th March 2023 surrounded by his family.