My dear mentor,
There are moments in life when you find yourself writing letters you wish you never had to write. This is definitely one of those moments.
Professor Dr. David Gillen was not just my mentor; he was a father figure to me and an extraordinary human being. From the very first day I had the privilege of knowing him, I began learning from him—not just academically but in every facet of life.
As an academic supervisor, David’s technical and scientific expertise was unparalleled. But what I treasure even more than the knowledge he shared was the example he set as one of the most complete, compassionate, and remarkable individuals I’ve ever known. His personality, his demeanour, and even the artful way he delivered constructive feedback were lessons in themselves.
One of the greatest lessons I learned from David was the importance of following your passion and striving for nothing less than excellence. He showed me, through his actions and words, that with passion, resilience, and a willingness to face adversity head-on, there is nothing in the world that cannot be overcome.
David cared deeply about those around him. He genuinely wanted the best for everyone he encountered and never hesitated to uplift, encourage, and empower. I can’t recall a single instance where I felt worse after spending time with him. His sense of humour, his ability to find the silver lining in even the most challenging situations, and his knack for asking the right question at the most difficult times were nothing short of inspiring.
From David, I learned the transformative power of trusting and empowering those around you. He had an extraordinary ability to bring out the best in everyone, giving them the confidence to become their best selves. I confess that I would not be even a fraction of the person I am today without his guidance and support.
The loss of David is deeply painful for all of us who mourn his absence. Yet, his legacy is profound and enduring. It reminds me of a famous poem by the Persian poet Saadi Shirazi:
“Live in such a way that, when you are gone, those who knew you feel your absence and wish you were still here.”
Rest in peace, David. You may no longer be physically with us, but your legacy lives on in the countless lives you’ve touched. You will always be remembered with love, gratitude, and admiration.