Born in Dundee in 1948 David was educated at Dundee High School before studying politics and economics at Dundee University.
In 1971 he undertook a graduate trainee position with Legal & General Insurance Company in Glasgow and after two years was promoted to a senior underwriter position in London.
As a result of this move he met his future wife, Haf and were married in Wales in 1976 before moving to Perth when he took a role with General Accident Insurance.
Several promotions followed in the years to come and he served in liabilities, commercial motor and global environmental issues. This final role gaining him insight and expertise into climate change and disaster recovery, which led to work with the United Nations and NATO as an independent consultant.
Working with the scientific community at a global level he was an accomplished public speaker and made regular appearances on television and radio.
He became a visiting professor at University College London and Middlesex University, Hon research fellow at University of Dundee and Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Prof Crichton is the sole author of 16 books, co-author of a further 16 and has published 50 articles and peer reviewed papers in publications such as the Royal Geographic Society and Royal Society.
He latterly became vice-chair of the Carse of Gowrie Sustainability Group.
Prof Crichton is survived his wife, Haf, his two sons, Gareth and Gwyn, daughters in law, Barbara and Frankie, and grandchildren Jade and Ariana.
