David was born in 1936 in Londonderry. His family then moved to Belfast where he attended RBAI. He read German and English at Trinity College Dublin and then taught at Larne Grammar school  After some years he left and set up his own business firstly as a Automatic Car Wash and then as a Fast Food outlet. Then at the age of 40 he began the onerous task of qualifying as a Solicitor. Having succeeded he joined Heron and Co. Subsequently he took over the long established legal practice of T J Menary in Lurgan. He continued as a sole practitioner until he began a phased retirement some years ago.

All his life David loved Bridge. In 1988 he began his most successful period after joining in a team with Ian Lindsay, Rex Anderson and Monty Rosenberg (later David Greenwood). Between then and 2000, when David retired from it, this team dominated Northern Ireland Bridge. Among other achievements they won the Mackinnon cup 6 years in succession and the Premier League 5 years in succession. David was one of only two current NI players to have won the Moylan All Ireland Pairs. David retired from International Bridge in 1996, prior to this he represented the NIBU on 20 occasions.

He was one of the few Bridge players who did not follow the standard practice of blaming partner for all mishaps, and will be remembered not only for his skill, but for his kindness, courtesy and exemplary conduct.

David and Pamela were married in 1997. There twelve years of marriage were the happiest of his life. Davids illness was diagnosed in August 2009. Pamela took leave from teaching to look after David full time. He passed away on the 8th May 2010 deeply regretted by his many friends.