Hi Tess and family, What a lovely send off to Dave/ Rommel We watched the service, you spoke very well, all speakers were terrific. We didn’t hang out in our early years but became pretty close during Dave’s time in WA. Our friendship continued and we met up for a coffee at every opportunity when we were in NZ I will forever cherish the time I spent with Rommel at the care home last Feb. His call of “Wrong Name Goat”. Will stay with me forever Will miss you. John and Julie Sarginson

great mate gone too soon fantastic times together,both in NZ and Perth miss you Rommel Bowie

We will always remember the fun times we shared with Dave. He was always welcoming and fun with a cheeky streak. Dave always said “that normal transmission will resume and the AB’s would always win”. His enthusiasm was contagious. We will miss him dearly. Cheers Jay and Ralph

You are gone way too soon Dave A great man, full of vitality, always upbeat, forever smiling and quick to find the humour in the peculiarities of life. You loved your family deeply and the love you shared with Tess was something to behold. Your positive energy and adventurous spirit lives on within all of us. So much aroha to you and your whanau Andrew

My love & prayers to your family & to the family that you shared with Tess my dearest Friend… I loved the way you loved Tess & her boys…. I loved the times I have shared with you all the fabulous parties & events the breakfasts we shared when I was in town… the laughs the smiles the witty conversations the deep conversations I could go on & on…. Because of my beliefs I know that you are at peace with the angels & will be watching over your loved ones…. “May God maketh his face to shine upon them”…. Love & light Vanessa & Nicholas…. Xx

My heartfelt love to all the Mather, Nicolson & Lewer families at this saddest of times. Dave, I will forever remember your brilliant laugh & ready smile. In fact did you always smile? We had so many great times together with your darling Tess. From your early dating days & onwards. You two were obsessed with each other, it was so fun to watch love grow. The memories are gold. Banter shared over great wine, dinners out, dinners in, rugby & the odd cool bar drinking champagne!! My heart smiles when I think of you & I will only ever remember you with the most positive thoughts. You really were an exceptional man. Love & light as you fly with the angels. Janine xxxx

Dave - thanks man, thanks for being a GEEAT brother in law. You were ALWAYS so kind and accepting to this kid who married your youngest little sis .. and as we all grew older your smile never faded, your kindness never waned and your laugh never lessened. I’ll always be grateful for you bro .. love and miss you .. we will see you again ❤️🙌🏼

Dave, We have shared so much over the decades, from a joint birth date (not sure if you were that fussed when I arrived on your 3rd birthday), through early childhood when you were usually the organiser and leader of sibling and surrounding neighbourhood activities. As teenagers, especially at school, I was often introduced as Dave Mather's sister and I was immensely proud or that link (mostly I think). As adults we siblings have all retained a close bond, and moved in ease among our growing Mather clan. A diagnosis of Dementia rocked us all, and we bore witness to your declining health over many years and have grieved for your personhood that was a beacon in our lives. Now, at your passing we have encountered a fraying of our sibling fabric but we will honour and celebrate you Dave, the essence of you as our big brother, and the memories of you that will live on, and likely become more elaborate, for the "Mather girls" as we experience life without you here with us. Arohanui my dear brother, Janie

Dear Dave Gone too soon, and while our hearts grieve, yours is wonderfully free! Despite our age gap, I always felt immensely proud as a little girl, of my big brother David, and since then have loved the many shared family memories over the years. You were always up for a laugh and really did change the atmosphere wherever you were. I think that’s possibly one of the big memories that our kids carry of you - your smile, your laugh and you were always kind… Love you and though not earthside, we will see you again…. Libs 🩵

Dave I still can’t believe you have gone. It feels strange. Sad for all of us who love you, but glad for you…that you are now free from the cruel disease that took you further away from Tess, your family and friends over the past few years. I love you, Dave. Be seeing you one day on the other side, big brother.❤️ Jilly (your Little Princess)

Bye for now, my big brother Dave. So loved sharing the last 65 years with you. Gone too soon but the memories will remain forever. Love you deeply…Annie xx

Farewell Dave, we loved meeting you & the times we spent with you & Tess. You will be missed.

Darling, you are the love of my life. ❤️ We had the most wonderful times together. I will cherish our memories always. I love you. Tess xxxx