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David CODE Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for David CODE
41 Entries
Ken and Christa Dorter
March 13, 2024
I came across this while looking for Murray's email. I was devastated to read it. I haven't known David since he was a child, but knowing his parents and knowing what they must have gone through, and are still going though, makes it feel very close. I lost two cousins that way and know what a terrible disease depression can be. I was looking for Murray's email because someone sent me something that I thought might interest him. Wishing you both all the best, Ken (and Christa) Dorter
Cindy Holmes
September 6, 2023
I just learned of David´s passing and was filled with shock and grief. I know how debilitating depression can be and how hard it is to live with depression and to be a loved one witnessing this in a family member. I am sending my condolences and wishes for peace to to your family and especially to Jacqueline who I was closest to growing up on Maple Street and attending school together with Jacqueline and David. It was wonderful (and heart breaking) to read of David´s many joys and passions. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story about David´s life as well as his struggles. May his spirit find peace. May all who loved him find peace. Cindy Holmes
Hilary Macartney
October 6, 2022
I didn't know David at all well but, sometime during lockdown, we spent a very pleasant afternoon together at a Zoom session on research. David´s contributions to the meeting were so positive, constructive, imaginative and supportive. He talked about some of his latest thoughts on Debussy. As he talked, he became very animated - inspired and inspirational! Meeting David made a big impression on me. I´m glad to have this memory.
Katie Grosset
September 30, 2022
A brilliant lecturer and teacher and a very very kind man. We loved learning from him at University. He will be so missed.
Sam Irvine
September 30, 2022
I´m deeply saddened to hear of David´s passing. He was my dissertation supervisor while studying for my undergrad a few years back. His insight was deep and conversations highly stimulating. He is quite possibly the most intelligent person I´ve met, and I´m very grateful to have known him.
Catherine Robb
September 30, 2022
David was a lecturer of mine while studying music at the University of Glasgow. I will always remember his teaching fondly, and I am grateful for his wisdom! Sending my condolences to his family.
Eilidh Best
September 6, 2022
David supervised both of my undergrad research projects at UofG - his guidance has had a lasting and profound impact on my development as a musician and his passion was deeply inspiring, I know, to many of us who took his classes. Such sad news, but I´m immensely grateful to have crossed paths with David and will continue to be for years to come. My prayers are with his family at this really difficult time.
Terry Crowley
August 23, 2022
Sincere condolences to Lorraine and Murray in particular. A very sad ending.
Isla Hellewell
August 21, 2022
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of David´s passing. He taught three of my undergraduate Music courses between September 2017 and December 2021: Listening in Culture, Historiography of Music and Romantic Song, and, like many, I feel very lucky and grateful to have been one of his students.
When he delivered his lectures, I greatly admired David´s inquisitiveness, eloquence, sharp intellect and sense of humour, and I strove to follow his example when both exploring and writing about music. His presence gave me a sense of security throughout my undergraduate studies; if I sent him an email, David would, without fail, give me a reassuring response, ever very willing to advise his students. Furthermore, I highly valued his feedback on my essay assignments, which simultaneously pushed me to further develop my critical thinking skills and gave me more confidence in my own ideas. Ultimately, in my Honours years, his encouraging comments convinced me to apply for further study in musicology.
In his courses, David introduced me and my fellow students to many pieces of music from various genres and eras. Whenever I listen to them all, I will, of course, think of him and the precious insights that he shared when presenting them to us. However, over these past few days, one of these pieces in particular has stood out in my mind. In our first Romantic Song lecture in September 2021, David invited my class, as he had done with previous classes, to listen to and discuss a Schubert Lied, `Wandrers Nachtlied II´, D. 768, the composer´s setting of a poem by Goethe. It is a beautiful and peaceful song, which promises a wanderer that they will soon find rest. From now on, when I listen to this song, I will be reminded that David is at peace.
David´s memory will stay with me as I pursue my study of Music at postgraduate level. He has played and will continue to play a key role in my musical education, and I can´t imagine what my journey would have been like without him. Thank you, David.
Dorian Bandy
August 19, 2022
My condolences to David's family and friends, and to the whole UofG Music department. I am still struggling to process this very sad news - and in some ways struggling even to believe it. (David always seemed so present and so alive; it's hard to imagine that he isn't.)
David and I got off to a difficult start when I was a PhD student, but towards the end of my degree we became good friends, and have stayed in touch, meeting many times both in-person and online through late 2021. Although he could be abrasive when commenting on drafts of my dissertation, my later interactions with him were enormously inspiring. Like the others who have posted here, I have been uplifted by the depth of his feelings for music and ideas; the breadth and energy of his thinking; the way he could be both intellectually challenging and such fun, both at once; and the beauty and precision of his writing. (I still return over and over to that wonderful article on Debussy's "Voiles".) I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from him, and especially for the many conversations and walks we ultimately shared - and I'm sad not to be able to continue where we left off.
Once again, condolences to the many others who are also feeling the impact of this loss.
Holly Rogers
August 18, 2022
What a terrible shock. I've known David for years as one of the great movers in film music circles, always organising great events (with fabulous dinners) and having profound things to say about great films. I've worked closely with him over the last few years as an external examiner (more lovely dinners) and had no idea that he was unwell. David was a brilliant scholar, clearly wonderful with his students and fabulous company. I am sending lots of love to his colleagues and students at Glasgow and to his family and friends. Can we organise a film music event in his honour colleagues?
Neil McDermott
August 18, 2022
Thanks to David´s family for this excellent tribute. In addition to the professional roles detailed above it is worthwhile to note that David was also a mentor for the Royal Musical Association Mentoring Scheme to support early-career musicologists and, for a number of years, an Advisor of Studies for the College of Arts.
Picture: an anonymous tribute left at David´s office door.
Morag Greig
August 18, 2022
I remember meeting David when he first arrived in Glasgow and was keen to discover the library. As a librarian I've met many new staff over the years but although it was a long time ago I remember meeting him with great clarity. He was amused at my mistake in thinking he was American rather than Canadian! Over the years we've collaborated on a variety of topics relating to the library and I will remember him with fondness as someone who was always courteous, good humoured and genuinely interested in library matters. I will miss him.
Aaron Hawthorne
August 17, 2022
I was one of hundreds - or more likely, thousands - of students to have the great fortune of attending David´s lectures and seminars while studying at UofG. I am sure I speak for the majority when I say that we are shocked and profoundly sad to have heard and read about David´s passing and obituary.
I recall a lot of fellow alumni branding him "one of the good ones" and couldn´t think of a better way to describe David. His classes were refreshing and intellectually stimulating; I can empathise with friends who felt genuinely gutted when they had to miss one of his lectures.
David was that rare academic who, even after graduating, maintained a reputation of openness and approachability. I was touched when he contacted me months after graduating to congratulate me on a success, and when I contacted him a few years later, mentioning that he may not remember me, he promptly responded with "of course, I remember you well."
I am sad not to be able to continue the collaborative conversations we established only a few months ago and - like many - find it so difficult to calculate the sheer size of the academic legacy David has left behind. His inspiration will continue to live on through so many lives he encountered.
My sincerest condolences to David´s family and all those who who knew David in so many more and meaningful capacities.
John Butt
August 16, 2022
I think I can claim to have known David for the longest among the Glasgow music team. He was a graduate student while I was teaching at UC Berkeley in the 1990s and there I knew him well from various seminars and also from his membership of the University Chamber Chorus, which I conducted at the time. When I arrived in Glasgow in 2001, his advisors at Berkeley reminded me that he was probably one of the finest musicologists of his generation - and I certainly agreed and very much pushed for his appointment. After he came to Glasgow, his research developed and expanded, and I believe he remained one of the finest musicologists of his generation for the entire twenty years he was with us. His critical and analytical insight into so many aspects of music and surrounding cultures was outstanding, and his life's work of publications on Debussy, Stravinsky and Kubrick is extraordinarily impressive. I have to say that I feel extremely grateful to have had him as a colleague for as long as 20 years, and we all surely rejoice in his achievement (including his outstanding contributions as a teacher). Unfortunately, he never came to terms with the fact that he was so successful as a researcher and teacher (although none of us can deny that there were problems along the way). In some ways, his blindness to his own strengths is the biggest factor in this tragedy. We nevertheless remain very much in his debt. How can we ever replace him?
Eva Moreda Rodríguez
August 15, 2022
It's been a privilege to work alongside David for ten years. Some of my most vivid memories of David come from the music research colloquia series we hold on alternate Wednesdays at our department. No matter how far removed the topic of the guest talk was from David's research interests, he was always guaranteed to come up with an exquisitely worded, thought-provoking, perhaps slightly provocative question or comment. He was the opposite of the narrowly specialized academic: he was deeply intrigued by music in all of its manifestations, both as sound and as cultural practice, and his questioning and enquirying always came across as utterly sincere and natural, full of almost-childlike enthusiasm. Over the years we also shared conversations on other common interests such as literature and language, which proved just how broad David's intellectual range was.
Jane Stanley
August 15, 2022
My deepest condolences to David´s family and friends. David´s presence as a member of staff at the University of Glasgow, specifically his international reputation as a serious scholar was the key factor in helping me to decide to take up my offer of work here many years ago. I am grateful that I was able to tell him just how much I admired him, in what transpired to be his final months. I am only really beginning to feel the tremendous impact of this loss to our Music family. It has helped me greatly during these last few days to watch his TEDx talk "Music is the Heart" (2015) which shows him in his element. I´ll miss you David.
Jane Stanley
August 14, 2022
My deepest condolences to David´s family and friends. David´s presence as a member of staff at the University of Glasgow, specifically his international reputation as a serious scholar was the key factor in helping me to decide to take up my offer of work here many years ago. I am grateful that I was able to tell him just how much I admired him, in what transpired to be his final months. I am only really beginning to feel the tremendous impact of this loss to our Music family. It has helped me greatly during these last few days to watch his TEDx talk "Music is the Heart" (2015) which shows him in his element. I´ll miss you David.
Emma Hunter
August 14, 2022
Truly sorry and saddened to hear this news.
I was lucky to be lectured by David and he was easily one of my friends and I´s favourite teachers. He created a warm and supportive atmosphere in his classes. When he challenged us we felt safe to explore or contribute to discussions, asking just the right question or making a dry witty comment to keep nudging us on. As a nervous and at times slightly overwhelmed undergrad, this was so crucial to building my confidence in my studies and to my enjoyment in my time at university. I will always be grateful to him for that.
He was kind and so generous with his time, wisdom and humour. When another lecturer in the department reccomended reading a chapter David had written, it was clear how much his colleagues admired him as much as we did. The book was already signed out the library but when asked he immediately dug out a copy for me to get stuck into - delivered with a witty remark, of course. Such was his willingness to help us develop. I´ll be re-reading the chapter.
My thoughts are with his friends and family.
Cheers to Codey.
Nick Fells
August 14, 2022
I am devastated and heartbroken to have lost my wonderful colleague and close friend Dave: such a brilliant, spirited, deeply thoughtful, inspiring, and warm-hearted man. Sincerest condolences to the family. Rest in peace, my friend - I will miss you more than words can say.
Thomas Hansen
August 13, 2022
Deeply saddened and shocked to hear about David's passing. David was my lecturer for my undergraduate degree, and I was so lucky for this to be the case.
David was always kind, considerate and an inspiring force in my life. He prepared me well for a career in music and I remember his lessons frequently.
David's fierce intelligence was matched by his endless patience and kindness. He continues to inspire me and always will.
I would like to pass on my most sincere condolences to David's family for this dreadful loss.
Trevor Weston
August 13, 2022
So sorry to hear of David´s passing. Condolences to his family. David and I enjoyed many laughs at Berkeley in graduate school especially in the Chamber chorus.
Guy Stecklov
August 13, 2022
Guy Stecklov
August 13, 2022
Guy Stecklov
August 13, 2022
This is terribly sad news. Such a brilliant and passionate friend who will be deeply missed. We met very early on at the I-House at Berkeley and a group of us remained friends throughout grad school. We had great times together at Berkeley and in the years shortly after. His wit and self-deprecating charm were wonderful. Always painful to see how such a brilliant mind could not understand his own amazing abilities. A few photos from some great times together a few decades ago. Dancing at Berkeley during a graduation party and while visiting me in Safed, Israel. He will be missed dearly.
Sanna Raninen
August 12, 2022
I remember David Code from studying my undergrad and masters at Glasgow. He was a very highly regarded lecturer, and I admired his intellect and ability to convey topics in a way that was challenging but not inaccessible for a developing analytical mind.
My deepest condolences for David's family, friends, and colleagues for this great loss.
Aimee Toshney
August 12, 2022
I am so, so sad to hear this news. David marked my first music essay at university, was my undergrad dissertation supervisor, and was then essentially the reason I stayed on to do a masters in musicology. As a lecturer and supervisor he was engaging, entertaining, challenging, witty, and so fiercely intelligent - our sessions were intense and rigorous and gloriously passionate and thoughtful and inspiring. Time out from the noise of the world to become lost in aesthetic thought in the little office upstairs. It's hard to write much that doesn't feel like a platitude - but I am so deeply sorry for his family, and grateful to have been his student. A gentle soul gone from this world.
Kyle Stewart
August 12, 2022
Such awful and sad news. David was my lecturer and dissertation supervisor at Glasgow. He was such a funny, kind and charming person to be around. I was always excited for his lectures or to meet him for discussion. David was a brilliant teacher, he was intellectual, passionate, inspiring and thoughtful.
He was always respectful and considerate of students and their input. I thought he had an amazing ability to help others develop ideas, that was certainly true with me.
I remember showing him the first draft of my dissertation, he started scoring out paragraphs and I thought I must have written something really awful, but then I could see he started smiling, almost laughing at me for thinking I had written something irredeemable! He told me where I should continue my research and how he could guide me.
It was always nice if you managed to catch him for a chat outside of lectures, in his office, around campus or at university gatherings. I remember him at a staff/student social event with a glass of wine, enchanting his colleagues and students surrounding him.
I wouldn´t be the person I am today without David, he is such a tremendous loss to everyone who had the pleasure to know him. I give my deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace David.
Drew Hammond
August 12, 2022
Drew Hammond
August 12, 2022
James Orbinski
August 11, 2022
I did not know David, but I know the deep love that his sister Jacqui brother-in-law Phil amd mother and father held for him.despite the truest tragic end to his life, may he go in peace, and may he be remembered warmly for the love and joy he brought to family and friends.
Garnet Ungar
August 11, 2022
David and I were exact contemporaries, piano students of William Aide at the University of Toronto. I still have a vivid mental catalog of every piece he played, because his brilliant performances always inspired me. I am so sad to hear of his passing.
Andrew Waldron
August 11, 2022
Hello, I'm so sorry for everyone in the family for the loss of David. I just wish there was more support for his condition. I recall many times being at the Maple Street house and chatting with him at lunch and after school. There was so much music around the house. I think his progressive rock records rubbed off on me. I hope all of you get through this difficult time and there is a celebration of such an impressive life.
Ben Winters
August 11, 2022
This is desperately sad news. I didn´t know David well, and hadn´t seen him in a number of years, but I shall recall with fondness the intense discussions we had about film music, and the intellectual rigour and humour with which he talked about his academic interests at conference dinners.
Simon Trezise
August 11, 2022
The is very sad news. David was a brilliant colleague and when I met him marvellous company. We'll miss him terribly. My condolences to his family and friends. Thank you for this wonderful tribute.
William Aide
August 10, 2022
David was my most intellectually brilliant student in 40 years of university teaching. The loss is immeasurable.
Deepest sympathies to his family.
Cindy Norton
August 10, 2022
A lovely tribute for a lovely man.
Sending my heartfelt condolences to David´s family and friends.
Margaret Hughes
August 10, 2022
How desperately sad for all the Code family. I think of you all often, especially when I´m at the lake. (Thanks to your generosity in inviting us there when we were so new to Canada) I don´t know what to say except that I send you all my sympathy and lovely memories of David as a beautiful and sensitive boy. I did not know him as an adult. You have written a wonderful and honest obituary to a really remarkable man. Margaret Hughes
Lorna McKinnon
August 10, 2022
Hi again, I just wanted to add a story. My old uni pals and I have just been reminiscing about our time with 'Coady' that's what we called him. He was one of our favourite lecturers and we have so many great memories. One I remembered was when myself and my friend emailed him from the library on the top floor of the music department to complain about a 'cacophony of chatter' from some of our other peers: it was such a frequent, fixed aspect of being in that little library sometimes - you'd be surrounded by people chatting and laughing and distracting you! We sent the email and he came up the stairs and popped his head in. The only people he found chatting and giggling and being silly in the library... were myself and my friend. And he just burst out laughing at the door, so did we, and the other students in the room had the most bemused faces, and so we laughed more. We had a great relationship with him, he was so approachable, friendly and funny. All the while, one of the best people to go to with hard questions or debates that pushed you in your studies. It's the saddest news but heartening to know there will be hundreds of students like myself who he played such an influential role with, who have their own stories to share. My deepest sympathy and solidarity to his family and friends
Lorna McKinnon
August 10, 2022
I was a student of David's 10 years ago at Glasgow University when I started my undergraduate degree in Music. He was one of the most influential lecturers and educators i'd come across. I was a politics and music student. I remain a socialist and am now a practicing music teacher/therapist. I remember the conversations and debates I had with him, they helped to shape who I am today and I won't ever forget him or the influence he had on me and my peers. An absolutely brilliant and inspiring lecturer that influenced so many. I'm very saddened to hear this news. His family, friends and colleagues have my deepest condolences and solidarity.
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