My Amazing Father, David John de Warrenne

We recently lost my Dad, David John de Warrenne, to an awful disease called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, and pneumonia.

Dad was such a lovely and truly wonderful man loved by so many. I couldn’t have asked for a better father. He was also an extremely talented musician, winning top competitions throughout his life and dazzling many with his “spine tingling” performances. He studied with the famous Julius Katchen, the famous concert pianist in his Paris apartment overlooking the Eiffel Tower. Dad, and his fellow pupil and dear friend of over 50 years Anthony Green, at 19 years old were the first white people to perform in Bermuda, casting aside the racial segregation of the times; something they were both very proud of.

Following this, Dad worked hard all his life, teaching at Trinity School in Croydon for 40 years, arranging, accompanying and writing music for Trinity Boys Choir and the much coveted “DW” choir, the public face of Trinity Boys Choir.

Not only this, but along the way he helped his students and family, not just musically, but with everyday obstacles life threw at them. Especially me, as his son, I always confided in him whenever I needed to and always depended on him.

Dad always approached life in a positive way and never let his illness affect him. Unfortunately, Dad was diagnosed with IPF not long after his retirement which restricted his ability to carry out every day tasks. After many years teaching, it’s so sad that he never got a fair crack at retirement.

Idiopathic means “no reason for”, pulmonary “lung” and fibrosis “scarring” and thus has no explanation for its occurrence. But upon diagnosis, it’s life changing with extremely devastating statistics. Thus, research and testing needs to be continued and advanced and hence why the family and I have chosen “Breathing Matters” as the charity of choice to raise money in Dad’s name.

All donations in Dad’s name are welcome and greatly received http://www.justgiving.com/AdeW4DdeW. I will also be undertaking a challenge, yet to be decided, in Dad’s name in due course.

Sleep well my amazing father, love forever, Alex

My Amazing Father was written by Alex de Warrenne