PACKHAM, David Roy OAM

David stated in recent days “I have had a fabulous life, but I will never know the outcome of lives saved by prescribed burning and VESDA“
And we together had a great life. Helen

So sad to hear this news. Fond memories of David and my very first protest at age 10 when David flew my father, brother and i to protest against the flooding of Lake Pedder in Tasmania. His knowledge of all things scientific was amazing and his pioneering in fire behaviour was legendary. Vale David. Condolences to Helen and family.

Sorry to hear of David’s passing. His passion for fire weather and fire behaviour have left a lasting heritage. I have fond memories of discussions with David.

David’s great work on bushfires, prescribed burning, and meteorology as well as all things scientific was huge. The link he and Len Gibson made to develop the VESDA smoke detection technology was one of Australia’s great innovations which came from their knowledge of the properties of smoke and fire safety of critical facilities. The VESDA system is the global leader in protection life, property and the environment all around the world. Rest easy, David.

David, we are grateful for your kindness and generosity in everything you did to support our community. Your dedication and professionalism will be long remembered. On behalf of the Strzelecki Community Alliance, thank you.

Conversations over breakfast on a Sunday in Paynesville were always lively, interesting and at times priceless. You were such a kind, humble, caring and respectful man. We didn’t always agree on climate change but then again who does. Vale David and our love to your wonderful Helen.

So very sorry on David’s passing. I have many happy memories of David at tennis and I appreciated all his help to me with weather forecasts. My deepest condolences to Helen and all David’s family.
David was a true gentleman
Susie Grumley

I unfortunately did not have the pleasure of meeting David. But his contribution to the fire safety world, VESDA, has been a huge part of my life as I have worked for Vision Systems, then Xtralis and more recently Honeywell for nearly 3o years. my thoughts are with his family and close friends.

We are so deeply saddened to hear of David’s passing.

You were so much more than a loyal and valued customer; you became a dear friend who touched our hearts. You will be truly missed, not only by me but by all the staff who had the pleasure of knowing you.

You will be remembered with great fondness and never forgotten.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Helen and the family during this incredibly difficult time. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you

Ben and staff at Dal Mondo Restaurant

In memory of our Dad, Grandfather and Great Grandfather.

Dad to Debbie & Lizette
Grandfather to Tom, Sally, Ben & Sam
Step-Grandfather to Tai & Chloe
Great Grandfather to Herbert.

RIP x

My heartfelt condolences to Helen and the extended family on the sad passing of David.

David was a true gentleman and a dear who will be sadly missed

May the love and support of family and friends bring you comfort during this difficult time, and may the beautiful memories you shared with David live on in your hearts forever.

Rest peacefully, dear friend. ❤️

Rita

David.
A true gentleman.
He was generous with his knowledge and expertise in fire management. Always interested and interesting.

David came to us at Monash University when he left his role as Severe Weather Meteorologist at the BoM. He subsequently became a large part of our lives, academic and otherwise. He was responsible for establishing a strong vein of fire research at Monash, helping with the supervision of many students from Hons to PhD level. He gave of his time and expertise generously. I fondly remember our discussions and debates about all things scientific and political and our many travels together. It was a privilege to know David and have him as a friend. Sympathies to Helen and family.
Nigel Tapper

Our sincere condolences to Helen on the passing of David. David had a wonderfully inquisitive mind, we always appreciated his questions, conversations and showing a genuine interest in the people and world around him. We so enjoyed his company at many Epworth events, especially the annual Christmas Lunch, where he and Helen would catch up with new and old friends each year. From wine making, cars to his many academic interests, David always had something interesting to share. We will greatly miss his conversations, curiosity and valued contribution to the Epworth community. Scott Bulger, Vanessa Dannock & Epworth Medical Foundation.

My absolute condolences on the passing of David. Such a kind and wonderful man.

Many good and divergent meals, conversations and motoring adventures over 3-4 decades of friendship. Helen, we are saddened for your loss.

I only had the pleasure of knowing you for a short amount of time but enjoyed our conversations and your company immensely.
You will be sadly missed.

We were both very sad to hear of David’s passing. Our thoughts are with you Helen.

David was always proud to say, ‘he was my Father in Law’, who, would often make time, to catch up over a lunch or dinner, to have discussions on a variety of topics.
First and foremost, was fires, and firefighting, (especially in fuel management), in which I felt privileged, to be enlightened by his vast knowledge.
Then came wonderful talks about some of our other mutual interests, including radios, flying, photography, sailing, and politics, again, sitting and listening to his great wisdom.
He would always ask how my 2 sons, Ben and Sam were going with their interesting jobs.
And he also embraced catching up with my partner Fiona, whenever she was in town.
David, you will be missed greatly.
All the best to you Helen, in these trying times, and into the future

RIP David

Peter Cuthbertson and Fiona Taylor

My husband Donald Macarthur had huge respect for David in the fire industry and I was very pleased to get to know him on the Gippsland Order of Australia committee. My deepest sympathy to Helen.. Anne Macarthur