Dave was like family. Whenever Dave was called upon he would say yes. From the waters of New Zealand to the USA, to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to the Amazon River, to Queensland Australia, Dave always provided a reliable common sense approach to all things on the water. Whether at the helm of a tug towing a submarine, or a barge, or a ship, setting up a film staging platform, or supervising the building a 1000 meter walkway it was always with a smile and a can do attitude. He worked with three generations of Julians from about 1963. Yes, like family….and a friend. Lance and Sharon Julian

uncle Dave, whitianga tow boats ,ports around the country, movie sets, Australia, your family, mangawhai, marija enjoyed knowing you. you may be gone but you left a big part of you behind, good memories, love from mark, marija, Josh, rikki, and the rest of the tribe

I was so sad to hear of Daves passing. Dave was a true man of the world and he always had a story to tell. Growing up in New Zealand he taught me many things such as building, mechanics , farming , electrics , fishing , butchery , to more complex things , the ocean , weather , navigation and the constellations .I didn't really appreciate it at the time , but as the years went by there where so many times Daves teachings helped me out in life . Having relocated and basing myself in London , I found myself very far from any family but as chance would have it , Daves job as a marine superintendent bought he and Mum to London for four months which was great . Then two days before they where due to ship out , my Samuel was born , meaning they had a couple of days to meet and spend time with their new grandson . Special times . Thoughts are with Mum and the rest of Daves family . Rest in Peace Dave , farewell tell we meet again

Stella, Sending you all my love at this sad time. The last Ellin reunion was at my Mums 80 th birthday in Australia. It was a wonderful day made all the better with you and Uncle David being there. He was as handsome and ever smiling as I remember from my youth. You obviously made him very happy. Thank you for being a part of our family. Love Sue.

My name is Suzanne or Sue as my uncle David would call me. I am the eldest daughter of Janet, David’s sister. My mother’s dementia means she can no longer verbally communicate., so on her behalf I send her love to the family. She loved her pesky younger brother very much. The Ellin Family. My Granny, Grandpa Uncle John, Uncle Jim, Uncle David, Uncle Eddie and Julie. ( apologies Julie but with only 8 days between us, calling you Aunty doesn’t seem quite right.) There are many wonderful memories I have of various Ellin family gatherings over the years. The most memorable are those we had at Whitianga. As a teenager I was totally in awe of my Uncle David and his beautiful wife, my Auntie Christine. Uncle David, tanned, handsome with a wide smile was ready to include us in whatever seaside adventure was on for the day. Fishing, boating, surfing, scuba diving, or a barbecue on the foreshore. Idyllic holidays made all the more fun with him along. David loved the sea and was instrumental in passing that love onto myself, my brothers and sister. Uncle David, the love and memories you shared with us will always bind us together. “Farewell, fair winds and following seas. “

To darling Stella and family, As the tears abate just a little, I do find myself smiling and laughing as gratitude and memories come back to me of Dave. He lived so well. So fully. So honestly. He interacted with me and Ocean, Beck, Ottilie and Abraham, with sincerity and presence. The children felt like heroes in their own stories with they way he paid attention. After each visit, we would always remark how natural, kind and funny Dave was with us. He treated us like we were family. At first it felt undeserved and I felt a bit cheeky, my kids and I being the recipients of his grandfatherly time, energy and memory making. But I learned to sink into his generosity and kindness, it was too beautiful to resist. I am so glad of the visits we shared. He is a legend now in our family history and story telling. The funny prayer he could wrangle up, the inappropriate poem or joke that would make the kids laugh, and his affection for home baking and Church Road Pinot Gris. The time he took me out to show me his 'messy' garage... it was tidier than my immaculate kitchen! Always he was generous with us, without exception. What Dave showed me and taught me about hospitality and good humour, I too hope to be that generous with guests in my world. Dave, from myself, Richie, Ocean, Beck, Ottilie and Abraham, we bow our hearts, and sincerely thank you for every single interaction with you. You found lost vintage sunglasses, you told stories of the barge adventures and of the seal on the deck at home, and you made us feel so at home on our road trips north to visit you. We love you and love the memories you made with us. Thank you dear man. Arohanui, always. Jacinda And dear family, what a beautiful man you've shared with me and mine. Thank you. Photo: 12 July 2023, our last visit together. Jacinda, Ottilie, Abraham, Dave, Stella.

Dear dear Stella, Dave has been someone very important in my life. He has trusted me, be kind to me, always behaved as a very good man to me. I am so happy that I spent those few days with him and you Stella last year, in New Zealand. I would have regretted so much not to have seen him again. All my thoughts are with him those days. I hope his travel in an other world will be peaceful as a beautiful boat trip that he has always loved. Sea will always remind me of him. I will always remember some great moments we spent together, as this trip on a small barge, just me and him, as the rain started, on a Marrocan Lake. What a Man ! What a life ! I think about you Stella and send you all my love. Lots of thought to the all Dave's Family.

Markim, Conrad and Jaydon and families. Sorry to see the passing of you father. Kind regards Barney Cornaga

There's a ship waiting in the harbour, My uncle has joined the crew, His voyage will last him forever on a sea that is golden and blue. As he takes the helm, we wave farewell as once again his ship sets sail. Farewell Uncle David - your amazing stories of your adventures you shared with us will live on in our memories. Our condolences to Stella, Conrad, Markhim, Jaydon, Brendon, Jamie and families. Our love Jan and Michael Jones