I lived next door to David in Horsham and I remember him very fondly. I will never forget the great nights we had in The Sussex Oak at Warnham. RIP
I was David's room mate in Hall for two enjoyable years. He read Chemistry and I French & German. He, like me, initially, attended Colfe's Grammar School in SE London and we met up again on our first day at University. We attended each other's weddings and I remember subsequently visiting him in Clapham and later in Horsham. Since his time in Australia we kept in touch, usually by Xmas cards, and I somehow felt this year that something was wrong when I did not hear. I have the happiest memories of David during our carefree University days - the rag possession - playing rugby together for both university and hall - being reprimanded for breaking a bed in the "Lower Hut". He was a gentle man, a bit of a gentle giant - very much like his father in appearance. Another important part of my past life is over after 55 years!
Although I only worked closely with David for a few years, it seems as though I have known him forever. He was thoughtful, insightful and, perhaps more importantly, playful in his approach to science and to life. He will be missed. At the same time, I can't help but smile when I think of him.
Dave was a very special friend to us. I'll never forget the first day I met him and I addressed him as Professor Trimm, his response was "Do you know how that's spelt? One F as in fool and 2 S's as in ass". From that day on we became great friends. Dave made Rose and I feel special and he always made time to visit Rose when he was in Melbourne. We will miss him, he will never be forgotten and he will always be in our hearts forever.
Dave, who should I turn to now when I need an advice from the wise man? You are the tower for many of us. We will miss you dearly. I miss you............
David taught me during my undergraduate years in 1990s. He was a great lecturer and I did enjoy his lecture as he could explain difficult topics in an easily understood manner . I am now working oversea, however, I would see him on and off during my trip to Sydney. He will be surely missed.
Devastated by the news of David's death I will always remember his fantastic sense of humour and the way that he inspired me to take up a science career. The science world has lost a great mind and I draw some comfort in knowing that he was doing something he enjoyed when he died. Rest in peace Uncle David.
David was a likelong friend and a very distinquished scientist. We will all miss him for his cheerfulness and good humour.
Prof. Trimm was one of my undergraduate lecturers, greatly respected, and was also (as Rose mentioned) the "godfather" of partcat research group at UNSW whose presence will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, prof.
I have known Dave for 35 years as a fellow scientist. His first words to me were come and work for me son and you will double your income from consulting. I never took him up but all my life I have been stimulated by his pragmatic approach to science and devotion to helping industry. That is not to say his work was not also fundermental. His contribution to catalysis and Fisher Tropsch processes in particular have been important. Dave was a larger than life character who was a positive force around us all and always at the centre of new developments that could be useful. He was a true leader.
He will be sorely missed by all who worked with him . His laugh and funloving smile will be missed by me.