Dear colleagues,
It is with great sadness that I must let you know of the death of David Mitchell, Business Continuity Adviser in Health, Safety and Resilience, following a period of illness.
David joined the University in 2019 and provided training in emergency response and crisis management, where he had a flair for turning everyday training into enjoyable and memorable events.
Working widely with colleagues across the University, David played a key part in developing and enhancing the University’s business continuity plans, which were tested and proven effective during the pandemic, and have been used by many when responding to incidents. David enjoyed the social aspects of working at the University, volunteering to assist with graduations and adopting his own style outfits to support various other events.
Before joining us, David was in the Navy and specialised in navigation and explosive ordnance disposal. After the Navy he worked in the oil and gas sector, moving into safety, emergency response training and exercises. In 1994 he became a self-employed consultant specialising in business continuity, crisis management and emergency response procedures in onshore and offshore environments.
David was a friend and colleague to many at the University and will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and condolences are with David's wife, five children and his wider family and friends at this sad time.
Funeral arrangements will be shared in due course. If you need support at this time, just a reminder of the University’s support services including our Wellbeing pages, counselling service counselling@abdn.ac.uk and the Chaplaincy chaplaincy@abdn.ac.uk.
Best wishes,
Nick
Nick Edwards
Interim Director of People
Interim Director of Academic Services & Online Education