I am deeply saddened to hear of David's untimely passing. His work on this website has helped me and many, many others to be in touch with their family history.
My sincere condolences to his family & friends, he will be sorely missed.

So sorry to hear the news about David. He helped me alot on this site for my family history. Thank you again. A true gentleman. Condolences to his family at this sad time.
Rosemary

Very sad news indeed, at such a young age. His web site has helped so many and helped countless people to make new contacts and friends. He will be missed by many, but we will be reminded of him when we continue to use this marvelous Forum.

Jim Ashton

My sincere condolences to David's family. The legacy that he left in the form of this amazing site will keep his memory forever alive in the Forest of Dean and also the wider world.

I just logged on and saw that David passed on. We all know he will be missed yet he leaves a legacy that has been and will be a model for many sites. In establishing this site he touched and helped people from all over the world with their Forest of Dean roots.

Like many members, David helped me a couple of times when something didn't make sense and I'll always be thankful. Although we never met or shared a laugh, I feel I’ve lost a friend. Yet, his best contribution was in assuring that the FOD will be in good hands and his legacy continues.

Sleep well David

Paul Berndt
FOD Roots
Ohio, USA

David was very passionate about his Forest roots and will be deeply missed. So many lives (past and present) have been touched by him.

My sincere condolences to David's Family and Friends.

Wendy

Just logged on & seen the very sad news indeed about Dave Watkins. He encouraged me in my efforts at transcribing Wills for this wonderful site. Always kind & helpful, bless his cotton socks.
Sincere condolences to all his family at this very sad time.

I have just logged on and am shocked and saddened to hear the sad news of David’s passing. I will be forever grateful to him for this wonderful website which has given me so much about my Forest ancestors that I feel like I know them all personally. Your work is a legacy that will live on.
To David’s family… God Bless you and may the memories of David comfort you through each today and each tomorrow.

And to David….. Thank you, sleep well and God Bless.

Hello,
I didn't know David - I didn't even know the real name of 'Admin', but I would like to add my name to those sending appreciations for the work he has done. I first visited the Forest of Dean as a child but had no idea that my ancestors lived there. Once I discovered that they did, the website has enabled me to learn about them and trace their line back through the generations and as well as their journeys to other parts of England and the USA. Please add my condolences to those being offered to his family.
Lesley

Sorry to hear the news of David's passing - Forest of Dean researchers would have missed out such a lot without his help and the setting up of this website. Condolences to his family.
Diane

It's a sad time. I would like to say a big thankyou to David for this sight so full of information.

I was almost too afraid to read the original message. I'm so sorry to hear of David's passing. A wonderful resource was created by a person who was passionate about his roots and we have all benefitted from it and contributed to it along the way. Without this site I may never have made contact with English cousins and found out so much more about my husband's family. Thank you so much.

Just to say thank you for a wonderful site.A truly fitting memorial.

Have'nt logged on for a couple of weeks and am so sorry to read these posts. Sincere sympathies to all his family and friends. Rest in Peace David.

I did not expect this. I to have not logged on recently. God Bless

I didn't know David, but he brought us all so much pleasure through his remarkable website.For that much thanks.

My sympathies to his family.

David was very patient in entering several updates of my family history onto the web-site. My condolences go to his family and friends.
Chris Morgan

Thank you

Very sad to hear about the passing of this great man, fellow Watkins and brilliant pioneer for family history 'in the forest.' Sincere condolences to his family, and I'm sure (not wishing to offend anyones beliefs) that he will be welcomed, reunited and looked after 'up there' by all his ancestors gone before him who he so keenly researched. And we that are left here will certainly remember him with the fondness, affection and respect he deserves.
Rest Well.
Sean Watkins

My sincere condolences to David's Family ; my thoughts are with you, he will be sorely missed by all .

I have been out of action for a while having recetly moved house and have not had a phone let alone a internet connection and woulod just like to say how very sorry I am to hear of David's passing. Such a wonderful helpful man - he will be missed by many x

For his helpful spirit, this is dedicated to our beloved genealogist David Watkins. He was the guardian of the Forest of Dean's past and will always be part of its legacy.

Good night and God bless you.

I have not been in for a couple of months, it is very sad to hear this news about David. My condolences to Davids family. He will be missed

This is surely one of the best genealogy sites that i know of. Keeping it running in his memory is wonderful. Many thanks to all those involved.

Rotosis (NZ)