Mr David Lumsden Colthorpe

David lived all his life in North Essex.  Born in Kelvedon his early years were spent with his sister, Marion, and his twin brother, John, on his father’s fruit farm.  This led to a life long love of the countryside and many rural pastimes.  After his school years, at Selwyn House in Kent and Marlborough College in Wiltshire, he became a solicitor.  All his life he remained with one firm, even as it changed its name, firstly Smith Morton and Long, in Halstead then Birkett Long in Colchester.

Before he embarked on this career he undertook 2 years national service becoming an officer in the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards.  It was during this time he made many lifelong friends.  When he moved to Tollesbury for his retirement he became a member of Tollesbury Royal British Legion Club.  For many years he assisted with the poppy collection and took part in the Remembrance Day services and parades through the town with the Royal British Legion. In his later years his weekly visit to the club on Sunday for a drink and a chat was a much valued routine.

With this in mind his family requests that any donations in his memory, if desired, be given to the Tollesbury Royal British Legion club.

Charity details

The Royal British Legion

The British Legion help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families all year round. They also campaign to improve their lives, organise the Poppy Appeal and remember the fallen

Registered Number 219279

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk

Messages of condolence

With deepest sympathy from Adrian and Pam Corder-Birch

Mr Adrian Corder-Birch

In affectionate memory

Mr & Mrs Tony Frost

With many memories of David over some 50 years from working at Smith Morton and Long, the family connection through my father and David with shooting, beating and the gun dogs and his Trusteeship of Halstead Horticultural Society of which I am secretary. Sleep well.

Mrs Jayne Castle

In memory of David.

Miss Elizabeth Hale

In loving memory of my friend David. Deepest sympathy to all his family.

Mrs NAN GIBSON

Remembering a wonderful gentleman, partner and friend.

Mr & Mrs Philip Geiorge

With best wishes, Silvia, Rob, Danny & Nico

Mr Robert Sayer

Thanks for 20+ years of sailing fun! Norman

Mr Norman Masey

Service details

Church Service

03 November, 2026 12:00

St Mary the Virgin

Church Street, Tollesbury, Maldon, CM9 8QJ