Funeral Notices

I was David’s successor as Master of Studies at Shore from 1999 onwards, from when David held the newly created role of Assistant to the Headmaster. In this exciting new role, he worked on special projects and duties for the then Headmaster, Bob Grant. David did an outstanding job in his role as Master of Studies and continued his customary high level of service, diligence and enthusiasm into his new role. I appreciate his generosity in acting as a mentor for me in my role and value highly the guidance and support which David gave me in so many aspects of this role. We worked together for a number of years, until his retirement, on a number of academic functions, most importantly Academic Scholarships and the School Timetable. I learnt so much from David and value very much the friendship that was forged as we worked together. Enduring memories for me are my many long visits to his office for professional discussions, enjoyable lunches together in the Staff Dining Room and the humour we shared as we went undertook the most serious and important of work on the School’s academic progam. Vale David. (David Whitehouse, Director of Studies, Shore, 1999 – 2018)

Bob Grant Former Head Of Shore (1984 -2002)

David was President of Common Room when I joined Shore as a new headmaster in 1984. This was only one of a number of leadership responsibilities which David held, but for me this was a valuable link in forging a good relationship with staff. I came to greatly value his experience, advice and support.

In subsequent years David earned appointment to high levels of responsibility and leadership within the School. One of these undertakings was as Officer Commanding the Cadet Corps, a sometimes lonely , and inevitably onerous task. I enjoyed our times together when I visited the Cadet bivouac camping in the Blue Mountains – particularly one occasion when it snowed and with some sixty boys, we hastily had to abandon camp. But it was as Master of Studies, responsible for the Schools’ academic program that David made an indelible mark. His initiatives were well considered and importantly, his attention to detail was profound. In this task as in so many others which David undertook, he was eminently reliable.

David was highly respected by his colleagues on the Staff, his unobtrusive support for numerous activities being both appreciated and welcomed. By nature non-assertive, David nevertheless readily engendered confidence among all who worked with him. I particularly admired his humility, – he had no need to proclaim his attainments which spoke for themselves. Over the years a sound professional relationship between us became a valued personal friendship. In retirement years when Tricia and I journeyed by motor vehicle to Melbourne, we regularly used Albury as a stop over, a welcome highlight being to catch up with David over a shared evening meal. It was clear that David continued as always to enjoy diverse interests and challenges.

I shall miss him, but will gratefully look back on our time together at Shore when David gave so much of himself to the lasting benefit of colleagues and boys of Shore. Tricia and I extend to the many members of David’s family our sympathy, love, and good wishes.

David and I were mature and even more mature aged students at Latrobe University. We travelled together on an Ottoman History study tour of Turkey, which only increased my admiration for his intellectual vigour and his sometimes wicked sense of humour. On seeing a sign forbidding fishing and vomiting in a Turkish public lavatory, he declared he would only go fishing if he lost his teeth whilst vomiting!
I feel privileged to have known David and extend my heartfelt sympathy to his family.

David was a thorough gentleman who could be trusted in any conversation to give honest and wise advice, and to treat the discussion with the utmost confidentiality. He had a good sense of humour and was a person, who, through his wide travels, was an engaging companion over a meal and a glass or two of wine or beer. He loved his AFL and was a long time Swans member and supporter.
In retirement, when so many of his peers were kicking back and relaxing, David immersed himself in his studies which he greatly enjoyed, and the topic of his Doctoral studies made interesting lunch conversation.
I’ll miss our catch-ups over beer and lunch at various pubs in his much loved Albury region and I know that his family, of whom he spoke so fondly, will miss him greatly.

David was a quiet inspiration. His warm demeanour was greatly appreciated. Working in the Preparatory School at SHORE David was interested, respectful and always willing to explain the intricacies of the school. He managed to lead with a gentle humility which in many regards was counter cultural. David was a gentleman who exuded qualities which were a wonderful example to the students, parents and his peers. I am grateful for the education he gave me. My journey is richer for David’s considerate warmth. My prayers are with all your family and friends.