My father, David Charlaff, who has died aged 71, was an osteopath dedicated to a “pay-what-you-can” enterprise mannequin – he accepted recompense in any kind, from a token payment to art work, theatre tickets or only a thank-you. Because of this his observe in north London was a cross between a up to date artwork gallery and a museum of anatomy, full with flamingo skeletons and bottled sharks.
David was born right into a Jewish household in Cape City, South Africa, the place his father, Solly, was the proprietor of a printing firm and his mom, Sybil (nee Slome), was a housewife. Regardless of apartheid-era antisemitism, David’s sporting prowess gave him entry to such nationwide establishments because the Junior Springboks rugby group.
After attending South African School faculty in Cape City, as a younger grownup he ran a cell disco with a Black pal and shaped an activist stage firm, Hen theatre. He started his army service within the South African navy, however prevented finishing it by dressing up as “Captain South Africa” and feigning madness, thereby annoying the authorities.
Amid rising political tensions within the Seventies, David and his then companion, Marsha Sanders, determined to to migrate to France. They settled there with their two kids, Jess and Leyla, in a tiny mountain village within the Ardèche, the place David labored as a goat farmer.
After he and Marsha separated in 1976, David moved to Britain in 1977 and commenced coaching on the European Faculty of Osteopathy in Kent. Throughout this time he lived in a caravan and likewise labored as a builder.
As soon as certified as an osteopath in 1981, he established and ran the North Finish observe in Kentish City, north London, then later labored alone at his personal Northwood Street observe simply off the Archway Street.
A proficient painter and sculptor, after retiring in 2017 resulting from sick well being he was in a position to focus extra intently on his artwork. Throughout his closing years he produced a number of drawings a day and loved taking part in his harmonica to his youngest child grandson. He additionally beloved movie, music and literature.
In 1984, he married Lizza Aiken, an actor, with whom he had two kids, Emil and me. The wedding led to divorce in 2011.
He’s survived by his 4 kids, 5 grandchildren and a sister, Suzanne.
