David's Life Story read at his funeral on 15th march 2021.

David was born to Maurice and Alice Heming in Hackney in July 1930 – the oldest of two boys. Following the outbreak of war his father moved the family to the more rural setting of Hertfordshire to avoid the worst ravages of The Blitz.

David taught himself the clarinet from the age of 11 and when he was called up for National Service soon became the Principal Clarinettist in the RAF Band, aged just 18.

After being demobbed David became a Christian and developed an interest in philosophy but lost all interest in music. He met and fell in love with Beryl at the Barnet Methodist Youth Club and sold his instruments to buy her an engagement ring. They married in 1954 and moved to Borehamwood in Hertfordshire. Stephen, Sharon and Julian were born over the following years and David devoted himself to supporting the family whilst working in the City for the Royal Exchange.

During the 1960s David helped run a Church Youth Club reaching out to young people in the area. This sometimes resulted in him receiving threats to his life from local gang members.

David’s job was relocated to Ipswich in 1971 and the family settled into their new surroundings. It was there, David and Beryl were caught up in a time of spiritual awakening. Often their large living room was filled with people from all denominations, meeting with each other and seeking a fresh expression of their Christian faith. David's own spiritual experience led to a rebirth of his musical skills on the clarinet and the saxophone during the 1970s and 1980s. He committed to using his skills in God’s service both in the local church and other Christian events, as well as in a variety of bands.

In 1988 David suffered severe work-related stress resulting in a breakdown and at the age of 58 he was granted early retirement from his job. This served to launch him into a new career in music, soon becoming in demand to play at Christian events such as Spring Harvest and touring Europe with groups such as the New English Orchestra. He was also invited to record several instrumental worship albums and to appear on BBC Songs of Praise.

In the 2000s David continued his musical work, but also committed himself to caring for his wife Beryl during several bouts of severe illness and a gradual decline in her health, until her death in 2012.

A new chapter opened as David moved to Devon following Beryl’s death. Despite being in his 80s he quickly established contacts and was invited to perform at musical events in the area including the opening event at the Beehive Community Centre in Honiton – the musical ‘Christ Crucified’. He also encouraged young musicians by joining the Honiton Youth Orchestra.

Throughout his life David had a passion for philosophy and Classical Greek, stimulating and challenging all those whom he engaged in discussion and debate. In 2014, at the age of 84, he obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Philosophy from the University of Wales.

David found love again, having met Jenny through Kilmington Baptist Church. Their marriage in 2016 was a joyous occasion and they were able to spend five precious years together.

Despite failing health, in 2020 David’s last public performance was an impromptu VE Day 75th anniversary concert in his front garden for the neighbours, reciting many Glenn Miller Band classics. A couple of months later David celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends via Zoom.

David’s life was lived in full commitment to Beryl, his children, grandchildren and latterly to Jenny, but most of all in commitment to the service of God through his strong Christian faith.

In his final days, as he was fading away, his family gathered by his bedside to offer prayers of thanks and comfort for David. As we prayed, David looked up and spoke out the words “Jesus, you can take me now”.

He died as he had lived – in full assurance of a glorious resurrection to a place where there is no more sorrow and pain, with Christ forever. As his family we are grateful for the life he lived and the example he set for us all. Truly a life well lived.