I am really gutted to have to say that I just received an email from Living Cell Technologies saying that the amazing David Collinson died on Friday last week. I am so terribly sad.

Here is the press release from LCT:

David established the predecessor of Living Cell Technologies Limited, Diatranz Limited, in 1987 with Professor Bob Elliott. David’s son developed diabetes at the age of two. The family experienced first-hand the difficulties of daily management of the disease and the impact it had on the lifestyle of a young child. Upon learning the possible medical complications for his son, David visited the surgery of Professor Elliott and subsequently committed himself and his money to fighting diabetes.

David served as the Company’s CEO and continued as a non-executive director until his death. David had the vision of a radical approach to treating diabetes by replacing insulin producing cells lost as a result of the disease. He believed it should be possible to restore to normal the life of diabetes sufferers. David worked tirelessly for LCT, promoting the cause to investors worldwide to join the crusade against diabetes. His persistent enthusiasm endured to the last weeks of his life as he fought against disseminated melanoma.
Prior to his death, David was made an honorary member of the Royal Society of New Zealand, a Paul Harris Rotary Fellow and a commendation from the Vice Chancellor of the University of Auckland for his contribution to medical science.

David’s cheerful presence at the Company will be missed. The staff of LCT shares his loss with his wife Jenny, son Simon, daughter Natalie, and his family.

EDIT: and here is the article from the Herald: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10589467