David Harker died on his birthday, 2nd March 2015, aged 64, after a short illness.
David and Diane bought Manor Lodge in 1994, but they had known Walberswick for many years before that. Diane had introduced David to the village and surrounding countryside which she had known since childhood and he grew to love it too. David was more used to the dramatic coastlines of his native County Durham, but he soon became attached to the flatter countryside, low-lying landscapes and vast skies. In the early days he could often be seen slipping in and out of the harbour in his Laser, but lengthy walks along the beach, through the marshes and across the surrounding heathland eventually took its place.
David was Chief Executive of Citizens Advice from 1997 to 2010 and before that Managing Director of Sense (the charity caring for the deaf and blind). Whilst at Citizens Advice, David sat on various Ministerial and strategy groups including the NHS Modernisation Board and the Cabinet Office's Delivery Council. Since 2010 he took up a number of roles in the public sector - Board of Ofgem, the Financial Services Authority, the Advertising Standards Authority, and last year became Chair of the Pensions Advisory Service.
David was the first member of his family to go to University. He graduated from UEA in Social Policy followed by an MA at Essex, then later took an MBA at the London Business School. He was awarded the CBE in 2010.
David's intelligence and humanity shone through for everybody to see. His interests were wide, his conversation often amusing and it was always a pleasure to be in his company.
He is survived by his wife, Diane Summers, and son Alex Harker.
If you would like to send the family a message, you are welcome to use: davidharkercondolences@gmail.com