I just wanted to remind people that it was 7 years ago today that David passed away.
I still remember that phone call on the Saturday evening from Gerry Luff.
I'm sitting here at the moment remembering the good times, sharing the fun and laughter at the conventions we attended together, boy did we have a laugh and some scary moments. Driving to The Millennium Jam in the rain with David driving at 80mph, I'm amazed we survived. He was a laugh to be around, couldn't understand what he was talking about though with his accent, a bit like being with Colin really but some lovely memories of a good friend.
It was at David's funeral that I met Colin for the first time and a nice friendship has developed, Thelma helped me through the day as well and has since become a great friend. I have never been to a church funeral that was so packed and it was a big old church and it was completely full, people were standing at the back and some had come from all over Europe to attend. Since then every year at The Millennium Jam I would always have some quiet time to myself to walk around remembering David, the fun we had at the various places and all the BBQ's we attend as the first Millennium Jam's were held in June, I still have pictures on my desk of David and Jean Merlin who was one of the first entertainers with balloons and a lovely guy as well. Then there is the picture of David, Kevin, Jorgen and myself after attending the best ever BBQ we were ever invited to. We met Anna & Jorgen two days before and David told them we normally get invited out and we had one evening left free if they wanted to invite us around to their bungalow for the evening, Anna said wait a moment and two minutes later came back and said yes it was fine. She was with her family, husband and children and to invite two complete strangers back, but then that is the bond the balloon community seem to have, that special relationship which is like no other group of people that I know. Lovely memories, so if you do find yourself with a glass in your hand today raise it up to a dear old friend, I will for sure!

Thank you for your reminder!  I only met him once, but he left an unchanging impression on me and my twisting.....To David.

Well said Graham, I was lucky enough to know David pretty well, and I suppose it is only
when he is no longer with us that you realise what a huge impact he had on the balloon
community.
Fortunately his legacy lives on in the shape of his DVD series, which are still as relevent
today as they were when he left  us.
Yes let us lift a glass to David this evening,
                                                                                  Colin

That was a lovely post, Graham, and anyone I've spoken to who knew David always speak so fondly of him.  He is obviously missed very much by the balloon modelling community, but most importantly by those who were lucky enough to know him.

--Neil

Unfortunately I didn't know David. But I know he had a huge impact on the balloon community both here in the UK and abroad.

I have his DVD set and enjoy watching him at work. I really appreciate standing on the shoulders of giants, of which David Grist surely is one. I am glad that Graham continues to support the Grist Family by selling the DVDs and running a memorial day once a year where balloon folk that knew him come and teach their material and recount their memories with David.

Thank you David Grist.

So nicely put Graham

Will certainly raise a glass to a Great Man.!!

Seven Yers ago!

I remember the call and I remember being in disbelief.  David really was one of the nicest guys I have ever met.  He was telented not only with balloons, he was kind and considerate and he was such a fun person even though his face looked so basset hound serious.  I have so many nice memories of Dave that I will never foget.  I can honestly say I loved the guy.

Thelma