Dave Lansley, 1968 - 2025

Dave was a wonderful colleague who I deeply respected. He was a gifted communicator, and passionately committed to making the world a better place. He did it with kindness and humour too, never worthy but always worthwhile. He wasn't perfect and he was excellent at glossing over things he thought unnecessary, with a cheeky smile or joke if he was caught out. Most often he was going the extra mile, thinking deeply about issues and giving his time generously to exceed expectations. He made work fun and meaningful and I loved working with him. I miss him deeply, and will continue to be inspired by the example he set.

Dave was part of a small online community where he contributed regularly for over 20 years. It’s a tiny corner of the internet where like minded, and sometimes not so like minded, people gather to laugh and argue with each other. His posts were always full of insight, humour and, most importantly, kindness. His intelligence shone through as he wrote about music, literature, football (excluding Spurs), politics and any other topic that came to mind. Something very obvious was his love for his family – Marianne and the kids. He was so proud of you all. His illness and its rapid progress stunned us all and sent shockwaves through our community. He was part of us and we will miss him. We send our condolences to those he loved and who loved him back.

Dave was part of a small online community where he contributed regularly for over 20 years. It’s a tiny corner of the internet where like minded, and sometimes not so like minded, people gather to laugh and argue with each other. His posts were always full of insight, humour and, most importantly, kindness. His intelligence shone through as he wrote about music, literature, politics and football and any other topic that came to mind. Something very obvious was his love for his family – Marianne and the kids. He was so proud of you all. His illness and its rapid progress stunned us all and sent shockwaves through our community. He was part of us and we will miss him. We send our condolences to those he loved and who loved him back.

My thoughts are with your family, friends and all who knew you. Rest in eternal peace Dave.

Very sad to hear the news. Dave was always so helpful and knowledgeable. His passion for social justice and his care for those facing homelessness shone through.

Truly shocking news. Dave has always been one of the 'good guys' and he was always wonderfully supportive of Oxfordshire Homeless Movement, especially in its early days. We'll miss you Dave and you go with our huge thanks for all the time and support you gave us and, more importantly, the homeless. Jane

I was extremely sad to hear of Dave's passing, he definitely was one of the good guys. I joined the Council in 2017 and he was always supportive whenever I needed his help with a press release or a news story. It didn't matter if it was a positive or negative story, Dave always knew what to say and how to say it. I will really miss chatting with him about housing and homelessness, but also how to deal with certain 'commentators' on the Oxford Mail website! THANKS DAVE x

I was devastated to hear about Dave's passing. He was such an incredibly kind person and selfless whenever I asked him for help or support. I will miss him on both a professional and personal level. He was one of a kind and he will be missed by so many I have no doubt about that at all. I send my sincere and heartfelt condolences to Marianne and his family.

I only started working with Dave eight months ago, but being in his team I was lucky enough to work with him almost every day. I was immediately struck by Dave's deep, righteous passion for justice in the Oxford community, especially when it came to housing and homelessness. He spent hours onboarding me to Oxford's unique approach to both of these challenges and was truly regarded as the authority for all institutional knowledge in these areas. 'Better ask Dave' or 'Dave will know the answer to that' were regular sayings in our team, and ones I already miss saying. Dave was ever-enthusiastic to reach as many people as possible by whatever means necessary to make sure important messages were heard. Whether it was writing detailed responses to questions we got through social media, getting online early in the depths of winter to make sure our SWEP response was ready, or diving into historical policy, Dave was all in. What I will miss the most, however, was the innate kindness and humour with which Dave communicated. I was lucky enough to work closely with Dave on a plethora of projects, from our SWEP comms to video scripts, and every interaction was a joy. Dave was never short of compliments, kind words and praise and this meant working with him felt joyous, easy and a privilege. I always looked forward to collaborating with Dave, and knew that any problems or questions I had would be met with a joke to lighten the load and an offer of help. My thoughts are with his loved ones, especially his beloved family.

So sad to hear of Dave's passing. We've known each other since student days and campaigns from such a long time ago - and then again from Housing Rights. It was great that Dave was able to join the Council to lead on our new 'Enhanced Housing Options' approach - delivering a service that took a more holistic view in preventing homelessness - making referrals for money or debt advice or to support people accessing education or training, rather than just focusing on their homelessness presentation. It was quite an innovation at the time, and Dave and myself periodically had to trek up to London to update Government on how it was going. That role led naturally into Dave's next role in Welfare Reform, where he was also able to directly make a huge difference to people's lives for the better. In the Comms team, Dave was always spot on with press releases and campaigns - helping to present sometimes complex and nuanced issues in a way that was easy to understand. Dave's "Oxford Needs Homes" campaign with the site hoardings & signage was brilliant and will continue to live on at multiple new housing sites across Oxford. Quite a legacy - albeit way too short lived!

I was saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. I knew Dave during the late 80’s early 90’s in Oxford. I was aware through social media of his work for homeless in Oxford and reached out to him a couple of years ago on Christmas Eve. My sister had food from her business that would have gone to waste over Christmas. He recommended a couple of places that would take it. He showed a passion for helping those less fortunate and I’m sure he made a difference. I wish to send my condolences to his family and friends, I’m sorry for your loss.

I was saddened to hear about Dave’s passing. He was a wonderful colleague during my time working at OCC, with an admirable moral compass, and I was lucky enough to call him a friend. Although we lost contact somewhat in the past decade, I always admired his humour and his passion for justice and equality. Dave is someone who will be genuinely missed by many, and my thoughts are with his family.

This is terribly sad and awful. Dave was a brilliant, committed and tenacious colleague who 'just got it'. He worked tirelessly to make sure the key messages were out there, especially when trying to get new homes for everyone (something he was so passionate about), even in the face of so many challenges from all angles. He was always kind, humorous and attentive in providing support and was an all round good guy. Dave will be missed by all of us. My thoughts are with Dave's family, friends and colleagues.

I can't thank Tom enough for writing such a considered, kind and beautiful tribute to my husband, Dave. He loved all his friends and colleagues at the council. I haven't just stopped all the clocks. I have taken every single clock and hurled them all into the abyss. Thank you for loving him. My dear, sweet beautiful boy.

So incredibly sad to hear this. I really liked Dave, enjoyed working with him, and will hugely miss him.

Such awful news. Condolences to Dave's family and his very many friends. Dave made many big contributions to our City, and his role in the comms team was really massively important. Having someone with his long experience and commitment to people in housing need communicating our housing needs and objectives has been crucial. He exemplified how comms can be done with moral purpose and be a force for good. All those in the Council who knew Dave, felliw-officers and members, will miss him hugely. Rest in peace.

Such sad news, a tragic loss. Condolences to family and sincere thanks for Dave's committed dedication to his role and huge contribution to Oxford and all things he gave so much. Rest easy.

Dave had a good and rebel heart and was a highly intelligent deep-thinker. He lived his principles and as colleagues we had many a good argument. He once described the comms team as his “forever home” and absolutely loved his work. He loved Marianne and his boys even more. I’m so sorry for the tragic loss of a precious husband and Dad. You will never forget his love and the devastation you’re feeling now will heal in time until one day, his enduring love is all you feel. The photo wearing the scarves Sharon knitted always makes me smile. Thanks for all the laughs Dave, you can rest now. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal”.

I knew Dave as the perfect work colleague, always ready to help and full of ideas and innovative solutions when problems arose. It was my pleasure to have known you and to have worked with you, and I am so saddened by your loss. Rest in Peace.

So very sorry to read of this sad news. My sincere condolences go to his team and his loved ones.

Dave was one of the people who interviewed me for the role I’ve held for the past seven years. I learned a lot from him. He helped shape the way I work — and, in many ways, who I’ve become. I’m a better communicator and a better person for having known him.