David Findlay Clark OBE 1930-2023

Dr David Findlay Clark was a prominent, dedicated Consultant Clinical Psychologist who was committed to the NHS and practised for most of his career at Ladysbridge hospital in Aberdeenshire as well as in the further reaches of the Grampian and Highland regions.

Born in Banff, Scotland in 1930, the son of a clergyman and his wife a midwife, David was educated at Banff Academy and subsequently gained a joint first in English and Psychology at the University of Aberdeen where he met his life partner and wife, Janet (nee Stephen) to whom he remained married until her death in 2022.

In 1953, after two years of National Service as an RAF Flying Officer, he worked as a psychologist in the Leicester Industrial Rehabilitation unit and then as Principal Clinical Psychologist in the Leicester Area Clinical Psychology Service and part-time lecturer at the Leicester University and Technical College. Throughout his distinguished professional career, he took up various lecturing commitments in Canada and USA, as well as a short-term secondment to the World Health Organisation in Sri Lanka. He was a member of Grampian Children's Panel between 1970-85, was a safe guarder (in terms of Social Work Scotland Act) and held a tenure as Chair of the BPS Division of Clinical Psychology. He also appeared, in 1976, on the BBC's James Burke show in an episode which explored the affect of body image and dysmorphia.

He was a prominent member of the local community and served as Honorary Sheriff for the Grampian and Highlands as well as Governor of the Former Aberdeen College of Education. In 1984 he authored the first of many books, Help, Hospitals and the Handicapped, and became a regular contributor to various books and technical articles. 

In 1987, during the infamous Peterhead Prison riots, David was tasked with being key negotiator to effect the release of a prison officer who had been taken hostage on the prison roof. The event was eventually concluded by the SAS and for many years afterwards, he remained in close contact with the rescued prison officer.

Throughout his long and distinguished career, he was passionate about sharing his expertise and knowledge and in 1990 was awarded an O.B.E. for services to Psychology.

Beyond his many professional successes, he will be remembered for his service to his beloved community and for his breadth of interests which included travelling, photography, sailing, chess, guitar and piano playing, painting and drawing, golf and hill walking.

In his later life he derived particular pleasure from the longevity of his 68 year marriage to Janet. He felt very fortunate to have enjoyed a life long enough to take great pleasure from the company of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be long remembered for his contributions not just to the field of Psychology but to his community, family and friends all of which were such an important part of his life.

He is survived by daughters Morag and Linda as well as four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

This obituary has been submitted by Dr David Findlay Clark's daughters, Morag and Linda.