A whole year has passed since you left us Dave. I don't know how I have managed to get through life sometimes. There were many days I didn't think I could. But I guess it's my belief that we will be with you again one day, and that you are now surrounded by pure love and light. I miss your cheeky text messages and when something really funny happens to me during my day I still, for a split second, go to reach for my mobile phone to tell you about it. Then I remember. Ahhh well .. you most likely see what is going on anyway and are having a good laugh at my expense! How I miss your beautiful smile when I used to catch up with you and ramble on about stuff. I love you Dave and my heart will ache for you every single day of my life, and I know we must release you because you've got better things to do over there .. you can visit me any time you want when you're around. All my Love, Maxi (Swamp Donkey) xo

I would like to share with you some of my memories of Dave… So, the story starts 1999 Mr Pritchard’s year 11 maths class at Colo High. There was Dave sitting in the back row… Gorgeous as ever, cheeky, always the class clown always laughing always mucking about. Somehow he always got away with this – not only did he know how to charm his fellow students but also the teachers. They even seemed to turn a blind eye to the fact that he was notorious for being the master mind behind many many excursions to manly beach – the whole year wouldn’t show up for school, car loads of kids would meet at the school gates and set off to hit the beach for the day – that was just Dave spontaneous and always fun to be around. He always had his own unique individual style which others often admired and followed. I remember at one stage it was like all of a sudden little mini-Dave’s started popping up all over the school.. And how could we forget the Hilux ute he used to drive, or ‘the chev’ as he liked to call it. Which was his pride and joy at the time.. As I know many others would agree, it couldn’t have gone unnoticed just how charismatic Dave was. He had such an amazing ability to just draw people to him.. I’m not sure that he even realised just how popular he was and how others would look up to him. Dave just had the whole package going on such a vibrant personality as well as such stunning good looks that made girls everywhere fall at his feet, but unlike most good looking guys he was different, he was real and always remained so grounded so modest… Well most of the time anyway!! And those of you who were lucky enough to be close to Dave would also know that he also had such a beautiful sensitive side to his nature. Dave was my first love… I guess you could say the romance started working late nights at aroma pizza – we had some great times working together and as our co-workers at the the time would remember we also had some great fights! In my eyes Dave was just perfect, I thought I was just the luckiest girl in the world – I remember thinking to myself WHY ME?? When I was around Dave nothing else seemed to matter, we were so content just being together, even if we were hanging out doing nothing – he just got me and I just got him. He always had this way of making me feel so special, when he would look at me it was as though he could see straight through to my soul. Dave loved taking me on little adventures – one particular memory I have is a day that we wagged school. He took me by foot down a steep FWD track to a secluded valley down near the cabbage tree river. Me, being the so not “outdoorsy” type of girl that I am was too tired & lazy to walk back up so he carried me the whole way back. Other times I will never forget also include trips to his grandparents place at Pearl Beach and a family holiday to Port Macquarie. I remember always being entertained by Dave’s constant over active imagination, always full of bright ideas and always telling me of his huge dreams. And of course there was always a get rich quick scheme in the works! He just had such zest for life no matter what he made everything fun. I was only 18 at the time and he was only a year older but he was so mature beyond his years and to me he had so much worldly experience & knowledge, I always felt safe and protected by him. A quality that I deeply respected about Dave was his love, dedication & commitment to his family – Dave was never happier than when he was spending quality time with his family.. He really loved his home time. I felt it necessary for me to say this today as I know that this is how Dave would have wanted to be remembered – for the happiness and light that he shed into our lives and it is so important that this is what we take away with us today from this experience. Dave I feel so blessed and grateful to have had you in my life for the period of time that I did. To date, the happiest days of my life were spent with you and if I could I would thank you for the memories, I would thank you for everything that you have taught me about life because I sincerely believe that you have had a huge impact on who I am as a person today. I will treasure every moment that we spent together and you will always hold a special place in my heart. In closing I can’t help wondering just how anybody else is supposed to compare – What else can I say but Dave you have left some very big shoes to fill.. Natalie Norgrove 18 July 2007

So many beautiful precious memories I have with you Dave & I can't decide which one is most special... Most of all I remember the happiness, the love & laughter... ur cheeky wit & that sexy smile lol.. Thank you for being you & for sharing a part of your life with me. That I will cherish forever. A year has passed since we lost you, oh what an emotional day.. how much I love spending time with your family because through them I feel close to you. We miss you so much. Love you. Your Natty Bum Cheeks. lol (u & ur silly names!)

I can't believe it's been a year... it feels like yesterday that you we're giving me your trademark cheekiness, but at the same time it feels like a lifetime ago. I am very proud to have been your adopted big-sis - you always made me laugh funny-boy, and i know you're still sending us love and smiles from above. Love you and miss you - will try to be strong today, or will at least try to not look constipated whilst holding back the tears PRETENDING to be strong. Keep on chasing angels, honey!

Dave, Oh my were do I start, I have so many great memories... But the one that sticks the most and I think about a few times a day well every time I have a ciggie is you saying to me "You Dirty Smoker" even if you were sitting right next me smoking as well. I miss you so much Dave xox Love Jess....Aka- Choco

Hey buddy, missing you heaps. Having a beer for you today won't be the same. Hope you are knocking one bcak up there on your cloud.

I wish for so many things for you Dave. I wish things could have been different for you, so you could still be with us today. But that can not be. So "I hope your best is yet to come. What goes with you is all my love" . I know you are smiling down on us. Helping us to be strong. Cos you know what is ahead for us and one day we will see you again. Missing you always Love Bec x x x x