David brought a fine legal mind to everything he did, especially as a trusted advisor to the Bega Group. He was a highly respected lawyer and mentor to so many – young and old – as a Partner at Addisons for 12 years, a consultant for the last two and an advisor to the Bega Group for the last 30 years. David was also Managing Partner at Addisons from 2017–2021.
As a person, David had a genuine warmth of character, kindness of heart and a wonderful sense of humour. His humility and humanity will be greatly missed.
A highly respected corporate and commercial lawyer, David started his legal career at Abbott Tout, moved to Dibbs Barker and then to Addisons. The Bega Group followed him all the way.
Addisons Managing Partner Kieren Parker said, “David was a kind soul, a dependable colleague and a good friend to many in his 14 years with Addisons. He was widely respected as the managing partner for four years, and in handing the reins to me in 2021 he was careful to see that I was set up for success (or at least to fail on my own terms), supportive and almost protective of me through that transition, and then left the role with grace. Grace is a good word to describe David.
“He was a considerate lawyer with a calm, analytical approach with an enduring curiosity about the law.
“David was a compassionate colleague who would always make time to help and guide others. He was a reassuring presence – kind and decent. I’ll remember his lovely sense of humour and his chuckles at the absurdities of life. He was an easy bloke to like and his loss will be felt by many people across the firm, but especially his closest colleagues. Our heartfelt condolences to David’s wife Annette and his family. We are all stunned and very saddened by his loss.”
Addisons Partner, Laura Hartley, paid tribute saying, “The immediate and extraordinary outpouring of love for David from clients, lawyers who David taught, lawyers who David encouraged, lawyers from other firms who battled against David for their respective clients, former partners, people David has worked with or just known over his long career, has touched the hearts of the partners and staff of Addisons. David would have been amazed. However, as his wife, Annette, said to me this morning, “He would also have been chuffed.” We have lost a great friend and a very good man but a bit of what he gave to each of us remains with us.”
Our thoughts are with David’s colleagues and friends. Our hearts go out to David’s wife, Annette, children, Ainsley and Murray, their partners, Joshua and Jessica and grandchildren, Tommy, Isabelle, Claudia and Mac as well as David’s siblings and families. To all who knew and loved him, we send our deepest condolences.
The Memorial Service in celebration of David’s life will be held on Tuesday 4 June at 11am. David’s family welcomes all to attend Waratah Funeral Receptions Venue, Manly.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Giant Steps, an organisation very close to David’s heart, would be gratefully received.