David Guest passes away at 45
David Guest, a well-known property consultant who led the Liverpool office of Bruntwood for a number of years, died suddenly over the weekend, at the age of 45.
Guest started his career as an office agent at Mason Owen in Liverpool, before joining Bruntwood and working for the commercial developer and investor from 1997 to 2013, during which time he established and became head of the Liverpool office.
He left in 2008 to set up his own business, but was retained by Bruntwood as a consultant.
Guest was prominent on various committees; he was chairman of the Liverpool Commercial BID from 2007 to 2013, was a director of the Sefton Chamber of Commerce, sat on the development committee for Tate Liverpool, and was a member of the Liverpool Merseyside Theatres Trust, which oversaw the Stirling-prize winning redevelopment of the Everyman & Playhouse Theatres.
He was hired by BizSpace as a property director in 2013, with a national remit to acquire sites for its office and industrial expansion.
Guest was well-known and well-liked across the property community, after following his father into the industry. Michael Guest was a founding member of consultancy Guest Garsden, which merged with Roger Hannah & Co in 2016.
It is understood that Guest died of a heart attack. He lived in Chorlton, Manchester, and leaves behind his wife and two children.
Following the news, tributes to Guest have been made by many in the property community who knew or worked with him, describing him as “genuine, caring and loyal”.
Chris Oglesby, chief executive of Bruntwood, said: “He was one of the kindest and most genuine people who I have had the pleasure to work with. He was always driven by doing the right thing and cared passionately about customers, colleagues and the wider community. He will be sorely missed by us all.”
Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, commented: “I am shocked and saddened to hear of David’s death, and at such a young age. It was David’s vision and enthusiasm that led to the creation of the Commercial District BID, he was responsible in a great measure for its successful launch and his contribution to making it the organisation it is cannot be underplayed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
Chris Bliss, director of Momentum Property Solutions, and former director of Liverpool ONE, said: “I am extremely shocked and saddened at the news of David passing so suddenly. David was a diligent and passionate colleague always looking to find way of improving Liverpool’s commercial district and seeking synergies and opportunities with the retail district. David was kind, thoughtful and a lovely person to spend time with, and he generously shared his own time willingly for the benefit of others.”
A sad loss to the property profession in the NorthWest.
By Andrew Gardiner
One of the truely nice guys in property very sad news
By Andrew Richardson
Condolences to friends and family.
By DMPC
Sad loss, one of the good guys RIP.
By Bday
Very sad news, my thoughts are with David’s family at this very difficult time.
By Jonathan Mills
That is so sad – knew David through work when he was in Liverpool with Bruntwood and also, coincidentally, through the school gates network in Chorlton. A super, super bloke.
By Jon
Heartbreaking news. Best wishes to his family.
By Chris
Terrible news. A true gent – will be sadly missed.
By Lynn Haime
Devastated to hear of David’s death. Lovely guy
By Jack Stopforth
So sad to lose this professional, RIP
By Mike
What awful news. A wonderful man who really made a difference – and was such great fun. Sending love to Susan and the girls, and to friends and colleagues.
By Deborah Aydon
One of life’s gentlemen. David was my landlord for years in the Plaza and was only ever helpful, constructive and kind. What a sad loss for his family.
By Dougal Paver
Such shocking news, you will be missed by so many David. My thoughts are with David’s family and close friends.
By Andrew Timms
All at Canning O’Neill are deeply saddened by this news. One of the nicest guys – period. Our thoughts are with David’s family.
By Conrad O'Neill
Such a sad loss – a true gentleman – my thoughts are with his family.
By Dean Young (LSH)
Such sad news. A really nice guy and true professional. My thoughts are with his family at this time.
By David Roper
Very very sad –a good bloke
By David Rowley
Terrible early loss of one of Liverpool’s Property characters.
Sincere condolences to Guesty’s family and friends from the many who knew him at Downing.
By John Clegg
Stunned! Guestie was such a nice guy! Knew him through Manchester and when he pioneered Bruntwood in Liverpool! Thoughts are with his family incl Mike ,with whom we still meet for lunch ! So sad!
By Alan Murch
So sad to hear about Dave Guest passing. He was a genuinely nice helpful guy and will be sadly missed. Ken
By Ken murray
Truly saddened. Such a gent who made a real difference to those he worked with. Will be sorely missed
By Tony B
Really saddened and shocked at David’s passing. Knew him from his Bruntwood days and always was a gent, very professional and a friendly personality. Thoughts with his family.
By James Staveley
Such Sad news RIP David
By Jeff Porter
David was literally one of the nicest guys I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. He was honest, diligent, and a real ambassador for what he believed in. He was a true gentleman and adored his family. The industry has lost a gem. All at TJM Projects send our love and beat wished to his family at such a terribly sad time.
By Jayne Spruce TJM Projects
so so sad … i will miss the special person so so so much, heartbroken
By atul
Worked with Dave during my Bruntwood days – terrible news. My sincere condolences to his family.
By Stephen Kenny
Such awful news. Dave was such a genuine and considerate guy. My heart goes out to his family.
By Richard Coventry
So sorry to hear of his passing.
By Jaleta Ford Boyd
I had the pleasure of working with David for a number of years at Bruntwood, this is very sad news indeed.
By James Rowe