David was born in Auckland, New Zealand on 15th December 1952 to Isabella (Ella) Stewart Souter and Stanley (Stan) Arthur Souter.
David had two older siblings – Mary and James (Jim) who both survive him. He is also survived by an extended family of nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews and cousins.
He had a very happy childhood growing up with a very close family who lived in Parnell, Auckland. Playing cricket and rugby in the garden with family and friends was something David really enjoyed. He excelled in most things academically at school and from an early age was outstanding at a range of different sports, in particular cricket, swimming, running and especially rugby union football which he was exceptionally good at. In High School he was selected to be in the First Fifteen Rugby Team for Kings College in Auckland. After school he went on to play for the Auckland under 18 Rugby Team and travelled to Sydney to play. This was a great time for David.
When he left school, David studied Accounting at Auckland University whilst working part-time for a local Accountant. At the age of 19-20 years, David was diagnosed with a mental illness and he was unable to continue his chosen career path. Thus, his battle with mental health began and sadly continued for his entire life. At times he was able to work and other times he was not.
David was blessed to have parents who were able to care for him and support him through the years until their deaths during the 1990’s. He was married in 1993 however, because of his health issues the marriage broke down and ended with divorce after 6 years.
During his married life he travelled overseas and lived in Australia for some of that time returning to New Zealand in 1999.
David returned to Australia and the Gold Coast in 2000 where he has lived for the past 25 years and became an Australian Citizen in 2014. He has been supported during this time by his brother Jim and sister Mary.
David was easy-going when he was travelling well: he was good when he was good, talkative and friendly with a cheeky sense of humour. David was a great storyteller and sometimes the most meaningful ‘pearls of wisdom’ would come from his mouth. He was someone who had a huge heart and was generous to a fault.
Always a Gentleman with old school values, especially when women were around, David was sometimes overly protective of those he cared about.
David loved listening to music and it was important to him in the happy times of his life as well as the traumatic times. Music from the 1970s and 80s were his favourite. He learned to play the piano when he was growing up. Music would calm him when he was struggling and very agitated.
David loved to run when he was struggling and as he aged, he would go walking, often for very long distances. He did this right up to the end for as long as his body allowed him.
David was interested in all sport and when he could no longer participate, he would enjoy the buzz of being a spectator or watch avidly on TV. Sometimes enjoying a flutter on the horses or a spin of the dice at the casino. A few or a lot of drinks at the local pub was something he really enjoyed however, in his latter years he only drank very occasionally in a social setting.
He was brought up in the Church of England and attended Sunday School. Whilst not a church goer he was a believer and his faith was important to him. In his later years, David carried a bible around with him. He would quote passages from the book from time to time. He believed he would find peace everlasting.
Rest in peace David.