I first met Dave about 10 years ago at a Dorothy's Diner get together. Since then I've only known him to be welcoming, loving and a joy to be around - whether it's been a week or many months since our paths last crossed. At several difficult times in my life we've chatted online, when he's also been a great source of comfort and wise counsel, for which I shall always be grateful. Much love and thanks to all his kin for sharing him so widely. Trev 💜 xxx

Dave, you made such a difference to the lives of so many. You are the true spirit of acceptance and inclusion. Rest in peace, dear neighbour and colleague 🕊️🕊️

Gosh Dave, how did you do it, you were everywhere, always and with everyone. Not one person walking through the door that you did not talk to before they would leave again. The way how you tiredlessly encouraged, connected and built bridges between people and groups and families is and was an example and inspiration to all of us. Thank you.

Dave-how you will be missed by so many. What fun we had in Ilford all those years ago. Whilst we haven’t been in touch much over the years I have always been aware of you and all the amazing work you have done as an advocate for truth and love. You really have been an inspiration to so many. I can imagine the twinkle in your eye up there in heaven. I know you will be resting in peace. Much love

Such an important person in the lives of so many people. To me he was a leader, a role model, a confidant, a cheerleader, and a dear friend. I have spoken to so many queer Christians who have a pivotal “and then I met Dave” moment that was life changing, life saving, and life affirming. This legacy of life and love that he has left will continue to change the world. God bless you Dave.

It was an absolute privilege to know you Dave ❤️ From all those many Wednesday evening online small groups at the start of the pandemic, through to finally meeting you in person this year. I will never forget your kindness, good grace, humility, abundant acceptance, and wonderful humour. Thank you for those times you were there for me & for shining a light helping me come back home. Sending condolences and love to your family what a wonderful man your Dave was. xx

We met Dave on the FWP tour of the first World War battlefields. He was a delightful, funny, bright and delightful man and we both really enjoyed his company. We were so sorry to hear that he had died and we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends. We are so glad we met him.

Loving thanks to the Moreton family for sharing Dave with the world. I met Dave through my partner’s connection with him as a Christian. Me being atheist made no difference to Dave. He opened his arms to me with the same love and friendship as he had towards others. A great man, who brought so much love, compassion and laughter to the world. (And a fellow tuba player 🙌) I’m so grateful to have met him. Rest in piece Dave ❤️ x

Dave & I met when I became a volunteer for PEACHY . Over the years we became friends as we strived to improve access to counselling for young people in the Redbridge area. His legacy lives on in local schools and at The Frenford Club where the work of PEACHY continued when they took over the funding that we provided and have continued to support young people by providing a permanent counselling service. Dave also accessed free mental health first aid training for sports coaches at the centre as a way of young people getting the help they may need. Such a positive and fun person to have known. Sorry we couldn’t share that piece of cake in the final weeks x

The first time I met Dave I had just walked through the doors of a LGBTQ+ faith event, having only just come out, Dave welcomed me. I felt at home with him, he was so kind and thoughtful. That set the tone for the next 15 years. We talked together, worked together, dreamt of a new reality for LGBTQ+ people in faith environments. Dave was consistently kind, open, honest, and had an amazing ability to create peaceful places, to find the humour in tough situations and to find Hope. With love to all those grieving Dave's loss, and an eternal thank you for the gift of Dave in our lives xx

I met Dave on the Fighting With Pride coach tour of WW1 Battlefields in France in Belgium. I remember him as a lovely, warm and engaging man with a gentle heart and fantastic beard! My short time with him has made my life all the more richer. Rest peacefully.

I didn't David that long, only since joining FWP, deepest sympathy for his family at this time, RIP David xxx

All of us at Redbridge Rainbow Community are so sorry to hear this news. Dave had recently joined our trustee board and we will miss his wise guidance and passion. Our organisation's work for LGBTQ+ inclusion is possible thanks to the efforts of Dave and others who fought so hard for LGBT+ rights over decades. We send our love to Dave's family and friends.

Dave was such an inspiration, always lively and welcoming, working to create safe space for LGBT+ Christians. You looked so positive just a few weeks ago, as if you were ready to party soon! You, your witty humour and your colourful suits will be missed!

Miss you and love you my dear friend Dave. You lived an authentic life and helped others to as well. You were so welcoming when I met you and invited me to Oasis and have been on the journey with me since. Even though you were so busy with so many people, charities and events you still made time for me and I valued your friendship. You had a happy and welcoming home and were so hospitable. Raising a glass to you - with a Moreton measure of course!

It’s hard to express in words the warmth and love that Dave radiated into the world. I can’t think of anyone else who had such a big impact on my faith journey than him. Dave showed me in his words, hospitality, and mischievous humour what it meant to love Jesus and follow him. When Dave talked about his life story, I was constantly blown away by how he turned some very painful experiences into a chance to do good for others. I am forever grateful to have had the chance to know Dave, to learn from him, and to have been so enthusiastically welcomed by him. I know that his memory will live on for a very long time in the generations of people who know that they are loved and they matter because he showed that to them so abundantly.

I was lucky enough to meet Dave in person when the review was published. He was always so supportive and helped me when I joined FWP. I will always remember his Champagne wine cellar view on Zoom meetings and the "Hat". Dave bought happiness, caring, kindness and support to everyone. Taken too soon and so very sad. You will never be forgotten Dave and will always be in our hearts. xxx Thank you xxx

You've been such a kind and caring man, and even though I've only known you for a short time, you've already helped me in so many ways, for which I'll be eternally grateful. I'll miss you a lot, Dave, but I take comfort in knowing you're in a much happier and more peaceful place. I'll miss you a lot, xxxx.

Love you and miss you Dave, my gay Christian role model who always gave and lived in abundance of life. Will miss you and your classic Moreton measures ❤️❤️🙏🏻

Love you and miss you Dave, my gay Christian role model who always gave and lived in abundance of life. Will miss you and your classic Moreton measures ❤️❤️🙏🏻

Miss you uncle Dave. You always sent out so much positivity and warmth to those around you. Always a loving welcoming smile on your face, always looking out for others. Thank you for looking out for me, thank you for believing in me. Feel so grateful to have met you and got to experience the love and warmth you gave. Rest well, and know that you are so much loved by so many x

I have been constantly staggered by the sheer number of people that Dave knew. I would turn up at random parties or events across the country for unconnected individuals or groups and in would saunter Dave, commanding the attention of the room, greeting people by name – people who were delighted to see him again, as I was too. Dave had a rare gift of being a friend to everyone, exercising kindness and patience without ever, in my experience, expecting anything in return or using these friendships to his own advantage. Instead, his gift enabled him to be an encourager, a builder-up, exercised always with humility, genuine warmth and grace. I've never known anyone like him and I doubt I will again. But I am thankful to have been one of the throng of people who have spent a little time with him and considered him a friend. Go well, Dave, into your very great reward: enter into your rest.

It is a massive shock. Dave helped so many people with his wisdom and knowledge. He was also a friend. I will miss him a lot.

Journey well. Fair winds and following seas. From an LGBT ex Royal Navy veteran.

Dave was a gentle, kind and generous man. During a difficult period of my life he was there for me - as he was for many others. I recall having bread and soup in his garden on a lovely sunny afternoon and he was sympathetic, kind and non-judgemental. He was always keen to meet up for coffee in Ilford. A shining example of spreading unconditional love, he wasn't afraid to give his honest opinion on any issue, while respecting the opinions of others. During his recent ill health, he showed courage and determination. I am thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. RIP Dave, you will be missed.

Difficult to find the words that don't seem trite but....... what a man!!! What a beautiful, irreverent, genuinely accepting and loving soul and someone who meant so much to so many people far and wide and profoundly touched their hearts and souls in such an unassuming and humble manner! I felt nothing but genuine love from Dave (and the family). He opened up his home, life, his family amd his faith to me and offered me unconditional love regardless of where I was at - something I can still vividly feel 35 years later!

I’ve been struggling to put to words my thoughts for Dave. I met him through his son Alistair and then our friendship developed over the years into one I cherished. Dave was a giant hearted, cheeky, caring man who ALWAYS put people first. A person full of faith but free from judgement, who had a colourful life that inspired others. My heart goes out to all his family (both biological and logical) and dearest friends. The world is less rainbow coloured without him in it.

We met Dave through church when our children joined the youth group. Dave was an inspirational youth leader and our children enjoyed many happy times at 'Dave's doss'! Dave had an easy manner that made us feel welcome right away and that he really cared about us and our children was obvious. We were fortunate to reconnect with Dave recently and catch up. We have fond memories of him and his family. We will keep them in our prayers.

A true giant of love and inclusion, openness, the art of welcoming and effervescent joy. Dave, our journey would not have been the same without you and nor would we. You broke down so many barriers in your time here. You will be missed immeasurably. Bet you received the biggest welcome of all where you are now ❤️ Love always, and to your family xxx

You were an important source of support and kindness in my life and will be sorely missed! Thank you for all that you have been and done for us all.

Missing Dave , a dear friend for us all at oasis Waterloo church 😢♥️ enjoyed many a coffee and a lunches together after church services in our gang . Brought the sunshine with his amazing colourful shirts and lit up every room. For me personally he’d done a lot to help me and providing prayerful support when I was struggling with work , issues at home including eviction in November 2021/finding somewhere else to live and my mental health. A wonderful man and will live life to the fullest for him. Rest well Dave , will raise a coffee for you . Only knew Dave for 2 years when I joined the church but was the best 2 years . Thank you Dave for everything. Thinking of all the family at this difficult time. And sending prayers xxx

I am eternally grateful for Dave's life. His open heartedness, care and joy are an inspiration to me and a true reflection of Jesus. Dave helped me navigate church life and supported me through experiences of homophobia and marginalisation. I will severely miss him. Dave, sending you one last big hug xoxo

I knew Dave for a very brief two years - he was instrumental in my return to Church and sat through my first service with me His unbiased, thoughtful, kind and generous spirit was a blessing to all of us who laughed and cried with him . A very , very kind man who tempered pragmatism with compassion - I miss your ChatGPT explorations and am thinking of that sunny summers day in your garden Dave, you did so much and you leave us with a huge gap in our hearts and our worlds You always stepped forward to help selflessly with kindness and grace-

I've known Dave for a few years, I met him when I first came to Oasis Waterloo church. He made me feel so welcome and really supported me through a tough time in my life. I will always be grateful for the kindness, empowerment and selflessness he showed me. You have and always will be an angel Dave.

Only new Dave for a short time through FWP chat and zoom group. He was always very positive and had so many great stories and words of wisdom to share. Condolences to all his family, RIP Dave x

Only new Dave for a short time through FWP chat and zoom group. He was always very positive and had so many great stories and words of wisdom to share. Condolences to all his family, RIP Dave x

Dave was a kind, gentle, and thoughtful soul. He was the first person to welcome us into a safe space; always the one to champion that you were loved, whoever you were. He will be missed sincerely and remembered fondly by us and by his community. Rest in power, Dave.

Dave made me welcomed as a gay disabled man he made me feel comfortable he accepted me making me be able to be more open about who I am.

Dear Dave’s family and loved ones. You can always be extremely proud of him, he was always supportive and inspirational. He made the world so much better xx

A huge personality, full of love and kindness. He touched so many people.

A huge personality, full of love and kindness. He touched so many people.

Humanity has lost a giant: a kind, gentle man whose tireless work and sense of fairness will not be forgotten. Wishing all those who loved him and were loved by him peace at this time.

Sending much love to Dave's family. We only knew Dave a relatively short time , but we will always remember him with love and gratitude . Dave was the first contact we had at Oasis , via email , and we were so touched by the warm welcome he gave our family - he made sure he was there in our first week to welcome us and the care and thoughtfulness he always showed to us, especially our daughter Lois. Xxx

I will ever remember the way that he welcomed me: All his support and his words of encouragement and affirmation. I know he made a difference in so many lives and in so many ways. I hope many of us will follow his legacy of love and inclusion.

So very sad to hear the news of Dave’s passing. I worked with him at St. John’s RC School. Such a kind man who was well liked by all the students. Sleep well Dave xx

I'll never forget you Dave and what you did for me when I first joined Oasis. You made me feel, safe, welcome and totally affirmed. You had a gift of loving people unconditionally. You'll be so missed by us all.

wonderful person who had a gift of making anyone he met just feel safe and right at home.

Truly amazing man to know Norman price

Such devastating news. He was such a big part of my life coming back to church and being welcomed into Oasis. He looked out for me, was a constant support and was just amazing. So much love to all of you. xxx

What a guy! I'll always be grateful to Dave (and Trish) for opening up his life, his home, and his family to me as a teenager looking for meaning. He introduced me to Jesus, made space for all my questions, was never afraid to question the status quo but could live with others even when seeing things differently. And there was always irreverent humour! Rest in peace my friend.

Met him as a friend of Will Gregory and was overwhelmed by his kindness, his interest in people and his humour. What a great personality!

We hope that you find this tribute to Dave a place of comfort, support and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

Everyone grieves in a way that is unique to them. If you need to speak to a bereavement expert please visit the GriefChat section at www.muchloved.com which is a completely free service where you can remain anonymous if you prefer.