David Philpot 1945-2018

[john walker]

I'm writing with great sadness to inform you that my friend and colleague at Sounds-Write over many years Dave Philpot passed away suddenly on March 9th.
David was centrally involved in helping to create Sounds-Write from its inception in 2002 and he kept up a lively interest in everything we did subsequent to his retirement six years ago.
As many of the members of this forum will know, David collected data assiduously on our behalf for a number of years. His report is still available on the Sounds-Write website, which you can read here:
http://www.sounds-write.co.uk/sites/sou ... t_2009.pdf
He also produced, in large part, our Lexicon, which I know many people have used over the years.
During the time I knew David as an educational psychologist, his commitment to the good of children was total. Whether a child had a speech defect, was a bed wetter, was being abused in the home, or was simply hungry, David's commitment to the child's welfare was never less than unconditional.
David maintained his interest in science fiction, politics, and the extraordinary developments taking place at Deep Mind in Cambridge right up until the end.
His four children and friends are all very proud of the lasting contribution he made to children's literacy. He will be much missed.
John Walker

[chew8]

Sad news - thanks for letting us know.

Jenny C.

[James Curran]

Yes, sad news and thank you John.

[john walker]

Thank you, Jenny and Jim, for your replies.
I wrote a blog post as a tribute to Dave. If you'd like to read it, it's here:
https://www.thereadingcentre.com/2018/0 ... nds-write/
Best wishes to all.
John