As a lifelong enthusiast of all things aviation, David wowed everyone with his passion for flying as well as his infectious smile and sense of humor. He’s got the chops to back it up — he got his pilot license in 1969, even before he knew how to drive. That initial accomplishment launched a deeply inspiring and transformative path in aviation. It would determine the course of much of his life, until a tragic accident in January 2023.
Towering at 6’3”, David is hard to miss. He is never anything but sartorially splendid, turning up in a sharp suit and tie, handsomely coifed. His kind blue eyes and jaunty, gentlemanly style only endeared him further to his friends and family. His unfettered charisma and natural charm make him impossible to resist. In addition to becoming a legendary aviator, he was a legendary son of his adopted hometown.
As you might imagine, David’s life was filled with both victories and defeats. He had two wives. His latest marriage to Lynda started with a surprise proposal on their 10th anniversary. Having both grown up with roots in the arts—Lynda’s parents were also both artists—their connection grew as they moved through life, David always being extremely encouraging of Lynda’s ambitions. By 2024, they had tied the knot, living happily ever after through this historic love story.
Even with all the joy in his personal life, David was under siege. His ongoing fight with cancer interrupted his reaccreditation process for an additional five years. This battle proved an arduous chapter that would challenge his fortitude. After some convincing from family and friends, he went back to flying — and rediscovered his passion for aviation.
On the morning of his tragic accident, David set out from Wangaratta. Later that afternoon he sent Lynda a text message telling her what time to expect him at Moruya Airport. Little did he know his flight would turn into a tragedy that would forever change his favorite skies. Sadly, he got lost above the Snowy Mountains, resulting in a deadly crash.
David’s sister used to say that if there were no laws against it, Lynda should have been David’s first wife—as a tribute to their deep love and bond. Their bond deepened through the years, enriching both their lives and helping David cope with health challenges.