Remembering David Body

We are saddened to hear of the death of David Body, alumnus and long-time friend of the University. David is fondly remembered as a dynamic Sheffield Architecture student and, later in life, as a kind and generous supporter of the University's Alumni Fund.

Born and educated in England, initially at Stockport Grammar School from 1946-1955, David then attended the Regional College of Art in Manchester to study a part-time course in architecture. Discovering a real passion and aptitude for building design, he chose Sheffield to pursue these studies full-time. David gained his Certificate in Architecture from the University in 1959, followed by a Diploma in 1961 and a further Certificate in Professional Practice in 1963.

After graduating from Sheffield, David went on to find great success in his architecture career, initially working in the UK before taking on several projects across various US states. He emigrated to Toronto in the mid-1960s where he joined the prestigious Parkin Architects firm, later transferring to its newly established Los Angeles office in 1969.

It was in California that David developed a particular specialism in sports-related building design - often focused on and around university campuses - which would earn him widespread recognition over the next five decades. Especially notable projects he oversaw included the 7,500 seat Recreation Hall at the University of California, Davis, and UCLA's John Wooden Recreation Center.

For those who knew David, it came as little surprise that his chosen career fused so naturally with his lifelong love of sport: always a talented athlete, he competed at national and international levels in disciplines including squash, lacrosse, and tennis. At Sheffield, his love for tennis led to a firm friendship with undergraduate teammate, fellow alumnus and Nobel Prize in Chemistry winner Sir Harry Kroto, which was rekindled at numerous alumni reunions over the years.

David was always keen to take part in University alumni events, attending several in both the US and the UK. A particular highlight for him was a 50th anniversary reunion held in 2011, where he was once again able to meet up and reconnect with former classmates and teammates, including his old pal Harry. Happy times for David, and 'a huge validation of the benefit of these University events and anniversaries', as he himself put it.

I have nothing but good memories about my years in Sheffield - including my gratitude for the advice I received from my fifth-year advisor Marshall Jenkins, a droll cricket-playing lecturer in the Department of Architecture.

At that time, the grading system was pass, fail, or distinction. I'd agreed to be captain of the tennis and squash teams, but told Marshall I felt I should try for a distinction, which would've required me to forgo the sports.

He knew my involvement with tennis and squash was a wonderful part of my University life, and replied that perhaps representing Sheffield and the UK 'would be more valuable in the long run' - he almost certainly knew that I had little chance for that distinction!

David Body

School of Architecture alumnus, class of 1961

David's passionate belief in the benefits of an active lifestyle both informed and nurtured his dedication to creating shared recreational spaces - designs used and enjoyed by countless thousands of university students, staff, and local communities today. He also held a glowing reputation for always being willing to share his extensive knowledge, experience and ideas of best practice with others.

This profound generosity of spirit was reflected in David's enthusiastic support of the Alumni Fund at Sheffield, pledging more than £3,500 as a frequent donor from 2010 onwards. In particular, his kind gifts funded scholarships and medical research into Parkinson's disease and therapies for genetic conditions.

It's thanks to contributions like David's that our scholarship programmes have become so successful, helping talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds access a University education and fulfil their potential. Gifts like his have also enabled our pioneering medical research to develop and continue, employing new young researchers, and making strides towards a cure for devastating illnesses.

David Body passed away in 2024 in California, not long before his 85th birthday, and our thoughts are with his friends, family, and wife Stephanie in particular.

We are forever grateful for David's support: his donations will continue to make a difference to students’ lives and the wider University community for years to come, carried forward through the positive impact of Sheffield graduates past, present and future.