by David Harris
The premature death of David Boston, a member of the EBU Board of Directors and a man famous for his wit and good humour, is a sad loss. He died aged 59 without gaining consciousness after repeat heart bypass surgery.
David had prepared for his death. He had planned his funeral, chosen the reading for the service, and left a list of standing orders that had to be cancelled.
For his final journey, he asked to be in his Tournament Director’s uniform, complete with rule book and pack of cards.
David will be remembered by the thousands who knew him for his cheerful nature, always putting on a smile, whatever the circumstances. He enjoyed life to the full and when he was running a tournament he sought to ensure the competitors not only played bridge, but had fun while they were doing it. There was always a joke or amusing story to entertain the players.
David had been the TD in charge of the Jersey Congress for over ten years; his style and humour, especially at the prize presentations, had become an eagerly anticipated part of the tournament.
He regularly played bridge at clubs in Bedfordshire and for more than 20 years he had held various offices with the county association. In 1979 he established the Boston Bowl, a pairs competition for local clubs, which subsequently spawned the annual Eastern Counties Simultaneous Pairs, which has raised in excess of £30,000 for charities.
David Boston’s smiling face and easy humour may be lost to us, but the memory of his good-hearted and generous nature, and his contribution to enjoyable bridge, will survive.
Our sympathy goes to his wife Maureen and his children, Heather and Neil.