In Memoriam | Mr David Lopes RIP (Class of 1996)

We are very saddened to share the news that David Lopes (Class of 1996) passed away on Saturday 24 May. David had been suffering with cancer.  Below is an obituary prepared by his close friend and classmate, Colin Pereira (Class of 1996),

The funeral will be Wednesday 28 May

• 11 o’clock - Meet up at Fortaleza Guincho Car Park (for those who want to) to follow the bike to the Centro Funerário. 
• From 11.30 - Alcabideche Centro Funerário de Cascais
• 3 o’clock Mass (same location)
• 4 o’clock Cremation
   

Father of three, motorbike enthusiast and St. Julian’s graduate was 47 

“A happy go lucky character, who dealt with every hurdle with a smile and was always ready to help.”   Nothing sums up David Lopes better than this.

David Lopes joined St. Julian’s in 1989 and his enduring connection to the school was a strong one.  His mother, Marie Lopes was a primary school teacher for over two decades and his brother Andrew, not only attended St. Julian’s but is also now a teacher there.  

David quickly found his place in the class. In the early years, he was an active member of a Dungeons and Dragons group before embracing much “cooler” interests, like rock music and motorbikes. Although he always had a soft spot for pop princess, Kylie Minogue. He discovered football and became an ardent Chelsea and Sporting fan. 

And then there was plenty of mischief.  Sneaking into the cinema to watch the x rated movie Basic Instinct at the age of 14, nights out in Cascais and an infamous, nighttime sinking of a rowing boat with schoolmates. To mention just a few of the escapades.  

After graduating in 1996, David went to Southampton Solent University, where he had a firm group of friends - many from St. Julians.  And then he embarked on a successful career in logistics and supply chain management. This surprised many as he had always said he wanted to be a lifeguard, modelling himself on David Hassellhof in Baywatch. Perhaps this was his plan when returned to Portugal, but he was quickly snapped up by Netjets and then later EuroJet. 

A few years ago he developed cancer, but in typical fashion did not want to burden anyone else and kept the seriousness of the disease quiet. In his last few years he lived life to the full, travelling the world including an exciting motorbike adventure across Morocco.

David will be remembered for his never-failing loyalty, irreverent banter and friendship. Whenever any of his friends had a problem, he would turn up for them to lend a hand whatever the circumstance. But his priority was always his three children, wife Daina and mother, father and brother. 

He is loved and will be sorely missed. But we can only be grateful for the privilege of the time we had with him.