Thinking of you all at this sad time. David was a lovely man. Much love Cheryl, Kirk, Flynn & Ava xxxx

I an sorry to read of the families loss of David. What wonderful tributes from family and friends. I was wondering if it's the same David who lived in Takapuna, Auckland and was our neighbour and my very good friend in the 1940 -1960's He had an older brother Michael. We lost touch as we went different ways.

David was a genuinely nice guy. Very supportive of the New Plymouth Gun Club. David was a generous man of great friendlyness and an astute charter. A life well live Family can be very proud of David

Bye popper I love you

Brad Caroline and family, I always looked at David as my New Plymouth dad, and he treated me better than he treated Brad. He will be very sadly missed, we will however take his memory on every fishing trip we take. May he rest in peace.

Dear Brad and family, I'm so saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of Dave, our sincere condolences to you and your family at this very difficult time. Dave was my manager, hero and mentor for over ten years when I was working side by side with Dave at D V Sutherland Sports Shop on Devon St. I always did enjoy my day-to-day challenges at the sports shop with Dave. He was one of the greatest storytellers with a sense of humor. His knowledge he passed down to myself will stay with me forever. We have lost a great man, an amazing sportsman in all fields. He showed me the way with trap shooting, when I won the Taranaki open with Dave's full support. I've learnt so much about trout fishing locally and at Taupo with Dave's teaching skills and his professional manner. I have so many fond memories from working with Dave, it's hard to believe he's gone now. R.I.P Dave. John Mills (Mills) & Family.

To Brad, Caroline & families, Sending our sincere condolences. David has left his mark as a hardworking and family oriented true gentleman. We have fond memories of sport conference gatherings and fishing show events. He would be proud of the legacy he has left. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Gregg, Robyn ,Kate Marsland & family.

David was a all round Gentleman and friend to fellow anglers. His service at DV Sutherland 2nd to none he fixed a few bits of my fishing gear over the years and some still in use to this day. We had much in common sadly the loss of life long partners being one of them. Great conversation. Kind regards to all the family. Dave Richards.

Dear Brad and Caroline We as a family share 40yrs of neighbourly memories with The Dannefaerds. There were the whitebaiting expeditions, the trips out to Tarata, visits down to the Patea Dam site and the conversations re wetland conservation. Probably all very influential in our family thinking today. We shared many spur of the moment evening meals and always enjoyed the fillets of fish delivered from across the road! Garden produce and competition was much in vogue between David and Mike. Julie's exquisite baking and her warmth as a host are memorable. And Brad we recall your one night solution to the six possums hiding in our trees! They were great years of friendship. Our love to you both and your families. Adrienne, Mike,,Geof, Rog and Steve Nightingale

It has been many years since I have seen David but as a teenager back in the 1970's David was one of my hero's. David was extremely good at trap shooting and I was always trying to beat him. David was often mentioned by my father Fred sharing shooting and fishing tales. Rest in peace David and thanks for your efforts in conservation. All the best to your family. Steve and Kathy Laurence

Dear Caroline, Scott, Grace, Meg and extended family - thinking of you at this sad time and sending love and sympathy Julie and Ivan Marinovich

To Brad & Caroline and all the families. Our thoughts are with you all at this tough time. Dave was one of life's 'good buggers' and we have many fond memories of him. Kevin & Leonie

So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Thinking of you. Jenni Maxwell and June Hook.

We have such wonderful memories of happy times spent in David's company. Love to all the family.

Condolences to the families, especially Caroline whom I had the pleasure of teaching with. I remember David's excellent service at Sutherland's Sports's. His sound advice and friendly manner was very much appreciated.

I have known and loved my dear friend and neighbour for nearly 40 years. David was a genuine, no-nonsense, no frills, independent and hard working man who loved his family dearly. He proudly served our local sports, hunting and fishing communities for many years during his working life, as owner of Sutherland Sports store, and beyond. We both shared a mutual passion for gardening, recycling, dogs and preventing food waste. In more recent years we combined our back-yard vege and fruit surpluses so I could cook/preserve and share amongst others. He was a keen fisherman and often recounted stories of his fishing trips and antics with his life-long mate Alwyn. I will miss our usual daily catch ups and laughs. Monty will miss his regular "pats and chats". To Caroline and Scott, Ari, Alwyn, Brad and families, my sincere condolences. David leaves a large void in our hearts, will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. A life well lived and finally reunited with his beloved Julie. Rest in Peace David. xx Lynda

It is with great sadness that I say goodbye to a great friend and whitebait buddy who shared his whitebait stand with me. Frank and I will miss his company. Syd Madgwick