David Leach, former DEX Director, sadly died in September last year aged 79. David was our voluntary Treasurer from 1996 to 2017 when he supported one of our directors to take over his role. For over 20 years he made sure that DEX had enough money to be able to deliver our services and to campaign. He designed the colourful accounts so that all the Board members understood DEX’s finances.  Even though David was working full-time as a Finance Officer for Leeds Council and had mobility issues David cheerfully kept our accounts with his big smile and calmness.

David had to reluctantly retire from the Board last year due to ill health after 29 years. In his retirement video he said that how much he had enjoyed being with the DEX Board, and that they all are fantastic people who respect each other. We all miss him very much, for his jokes and stories for he had many interests, including cricket, football, history and bird watching, art, swimming and sailing!

David leaves Jill Jones, his wife and chair of DEX, and his daughters, Alison (deaf) and Jane (who is a BSL interpreter). Also his stepchildren, Laura and Alun (also a BSL interpreter).