Tribute to David Doyle

I came to know David more when, during Covid, he stepped up from his role as NAJ President to help lead and support the NAJ as we navigated a difficult period. Before that he was a familiar figure often seen in Fed House and walking through the NAJ staff office talking to the team. However, he became much more involved and we got to know him well during Covid. He used to joke that when he had accepted the role as President, he had been told that he would only be wheeled out now and again to attend a nice dinner, drink wine and dribble down his tie! Little did he know! My experience of David was as a truly caring and nurturing person. He was always interested in what I had to say, and gently encouraging me to share my thoughts, until he got to `the truth'. He had a way of engendering trust and I think that was because he believed in and showed a great respect for colleagues and individuals. He was also very open and honest and there were no barriers when talking to him. He was the master of difficult conversations. He was also a champion for good and I was lucky enough to work with him to progress a great initiative, through the initial set up and funding of the MasterPeace Academy. The industry has lost a great man and a great mind. I, like many others, will miss the support and kindness that he showed. My condolences and much love to Jan, Sophie and Daniel xxx

I was so sad to hear of David's passing. When I first joined Retail Jeweller all those years ago, he was one of the first industry leaders that I met. Throughout my time as deputy editor at Retail Jeweller, David always made the effort to say hello. He was a kind soul who was extremely passionate about the jewellery industry and supportive of everyone in it. The industry is stronger because of people like David, he constantly wanted to improve the sector and help others. My thoughts go out to his wonderful wife, Jan, and his children, whom he was very proud of; he always spoke so fondly of what they were doing.

We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. David gave so much of his time, kindness and energy to helping others, and his generosity touched so many of the children and families at Birmingham Children's Hospital. We continue to be grateful for the difference he made, particularly his part in allowing us to provide more play and music on to the wards. Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.

David, a unique and extraordinary man. We were privileged to know him. Our thoughts are with Jan, Sophie and Dan.

Many people will say that David was someone you simply couldn’t say no to. He had a way of making you feel ten feet tall, ready to take on whatever challenge or opportunity came your way. If you were going into bat, you wanted David on your side — and you certainly felt it if he wasn’t. David believed in people. He wanted to make the world a better place and bring joy to someone’s day. Whether you were part of the Association team, a member of the industry, or a child facing a frightening illness in the local hospital, David went to extraordinary lengths to make a difference for you. He will never be forgotten. The charity gala's, committee meetings, staff BBQs and those spontaneous phone calls we all knew so well — they’ll never be quite the same. There will always be something missing: that mischievous smile, the jazzy waistcoat, or the ever-present “I’ll call you back, someone’s on the other line.” We’ve all lost a very special person — a remarkable supporter, and an even more remarkable friend. Thank you, Jan, Sophie and Dan, for sharing David with so many of us. He will forever remain in our thoughts.

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting David through the National Association of Jewellers where I've worked for the last 6 years. David wasn't purely our Associations President, he was a trusted friend to us all at the NAJ. Although we all looked up to him as top of our work hierarchy, more than that he was someone we could trust and who had our best interests at heart. This may be said about people in passing but in this instance it really is so true, David actually cared. He was so generous and thoughtful and I would always look forward to the regular calls he would make just to make sure everything in my world was going well. A call he would make to many of us in the team. One by one, spending time talking to us to make sure we were ok. Today we tend to overuse certain terms to describe people, but not here, David was a total legend in the jewellery world, an icon, passionate and never afraid to say what he thought, making so much money for charitable causes as well. My heart goes out to Jan and his children, family and friends for their loss but also I am sure the celebration and outpouring of love will make them so so proud to have had such a wonderful figure in their lives , albeit not as long as they would have wanted. David, never forgotten, much love , Katie.

Some people don’t just walk into a room, they light it up. David was that person. Everyone’s biggest cheerleader, always making time to check in, always finding the right words to lift you up. He brought so much warmth, positivity, and genuine kindness into our workplace and into the jewellery industry as a whole. It simply won’t be the same without him. Sending all our love and strength to his beautiful wife, Jan, and their children. You are in our all our thoughts 💛

David Doyle was one of those names that, when it popped up on your phone, you always made time to answer. A genuinely lovely man, and we always shared a good laugh when we spoke. So sad to hear of his passing. Sending love to his family. He will be greatly missed.

So sorry to hear the sad news about David's passing, he was and will ever be remembered as a true gentleman. His passion for our industry was immense, I am honoured to have known him and to call him a friend.

Dear David. You will be dearly missed. I remember all of the lunches at spring fair and the jewellery show. All of the coffees we had and all of the advice you gave. You were a wonderful, warm human. I’m shedding a tear. Jan I’m sending you and the family love. He’s gone too soon kindest Julie Driscoll

I was very sad to hear about David’s passing. I’ll always remember the bright waistcoats at formal dinners, his humour, and the kindness he showed me over the years. Even after I left the industry, he would still ring do the next couple of years for a chat or a debate, which I always appreciated. He was warm, funny and genuinely approachable. My thoughts are with Jan, Sophie and Dan.

David Doyle a gentleman business associate and more over a true friend I will miss you

Everyone grieves in a way that is unique to them. If you need to speak to a bereavement expert please visit the GriefChat section at www.muchloved.com which is a completely free service where you can remain anonymous if you prefer.  

We hope that you find this tribute to David a place of comfort, support and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.