Captain David Pike (Hn 54)

David Brian Elwes Pike (often known as Pikey) was born on 16th March 1936, and served with the 13th/18th Royal Hussars in Neumunster and Aden. Like many 13th/18th Officers, he attended Wellington College in Berkshire. During his time at College, he became a Sergeant in the CCF and enjoyed Amateur Dramatics, with his most notable role as Miss Prism in ‘The Importance of Being Ernest’. 

After leaving College, David joined B Squadron in Neumunster in 1956. The Squadron was expanded to 6 Troops plus SHQ when it was deployed to Aden and Oman in 1957. David saw active service as Troop Leader of 6th Troop based at Dhala (Al Daid) in what was then the Western Aden Protectorate (now Yemen).  

On his return to the UK, David became a Gunnery Instructor at Lulworth until his retirement from the Army in 1962, when he joined the then very small stockbroking firm of JA Brewin. David was very successful at looking after private clients and became a partner in the firm in 1967. Through a series of mergers, JA Brewin became Brewin Scrutton and then Brewin Dolphin in 1974. 1974-75 was a perilous time to be a partner in a stockbroking firm, as at the time partners were liable to lose everything when a firm went under. By 6th January 1975, the FT 30-Share Index (the precursor of the FTSE 100) had hit 146, a 73pc slide from its 1972 bull market peak of 543.6. January 1975 proved to be the low point; gradually business recovered, and Brewin Dolphin survived. Together with his colleague Gerald Knox (Lord Ranfurly), David was a major force in growing the business through a further series of mergers with other stockbroking firms. Eventually, David became Chairman until his retirement in 2007. 

On 11th September 2001, David had a lucky escape. He was invited to have breakfast in ‘The Windows on the World’ restaurant at the top of one of the Twin Towers. He decided to go to the Frick Museum instead.  

David’s generosity extended to many great causes including the Watts Gallery in Surrey, the Foundling Museum in London, the Holbourne Museum in Bath, National Theatre in London and the Donmar theatre. He also he gave money for a garden at Garsington Opera in Buckinghamshire. 

David was an avid collector of Victorian pictures and became a firm friend of Rupert Maas (picture specialist, Antiques Roadshow). He was also a major investor in wine and whisky. He never lost touch with his friends from the Regiment and used to meet them frequently at the Cavalry and Guards Club. 

With thanks to Simon Clanmorris.