David PHILP Obituary

I am really sorry to hear this news. I always enjoyed working with David even when we were representing our two different organisations. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Rest in peace David

David had that rare blend of keen intelligence and insight, humour, warmth and willingness to help everyone he could. I was fortunate to have his vocal and supportive presence in our international group when I took up my position in 2018 which made assimilation so easy. The outpouring of positive comments that we have shared, coming from the most junior staff members through to to those at the highest levels of international government administrations is testament to the impacts he had on everyone. May he rest in peace while these impacts live on for years to come.

My condolence to the family. From the island of Papua New Guinea. May his soul rest in Eternal Peace.

Safe travels my old friend. Thank you for your friendship and support for over 30 years. Aroha.

David had a truly kind heart, was always available to bounce ideas off and could be counted on with sensible and practical advice. One of the cleverest men I have ever had the privilege to work with. I will miss our Trout for Crayfish swaps (I still think you got the better end of that deal). Rest easy my friend and may the streams be forever filled with fish.

David was a wonderful boss and an amazing example of intelligent, compassionate public service. He was also great fun to have a drink with, had a laugh you couldn´t miss and was clearly dedicated to his family. I wish I could be in Wellington with the DIA team , who I know will be as devastated as I am.

Hei maumaharatanga ki te tino hoa.
In fond remembrance to my dear friend David, whose generosity, great heart and direct openness will be always remembered and greatly missed, personally and in the international community we both worked in. David and I met first in 2004 - we walked a long way together.
I am looking forward to a time when his many international friends can get together in-person and celebrate his life. I am certain that David would expect that from us.

David's passing is a great shock and I will miss him dearly even though we only met perhaps twice a year over the nearly 15 years since the first we met. He was someone to turn to for any help or guidance and a giant in the field of travel documents: many millions around the world will never have heard of him but their lives have been made a little bit more secure and a little bit easier thanks to his influence, passion and drive. More than that, he was the sort of bloke you could easily spend hours with over a beer or two and for me, that is the David I shall miss most of all.

I have know David since 2006, first as a customer, then as a colleague in the standards world and finally as a dear and true friend. He was direct in his communication, was honest in his work and warm in his friendships. What you see is what you got. I remember the time that he visited Singapore with Donna and Jess and his love and pride in his family was obvious. A life well lived but gone too soon.

David has been a member of the ICAO PKD Board since the establishment of the PKD, with New Zealand being amongst the participants when the system was launched in 2007. He was also a member of the first PKD Executive Body elected in 2015 and has been part of the group ever since. His sage advice, experience and wisdom enriched all of our discussions over so many years and contributed greatly to the evolution of the PKD system and growth of our community. We could always rely on his humour, charm and smile to enliven even the most difficult debate. It is fair to say that we do not know the PKD without him and it is a great loss.
Our sympathy and heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends.

A mighty Totara has falling and the effects are felt far and wide, I will forever remember you for your integrity, strength, guidance and wisdom. You are a great man of awesomeness and will be missed by me. Rest easy and in love e hoa.

David was a good friend and a respected colleague who was incredibly generous in welcoming me into the TAG, NTWG and PKD groups in 2007. He will be missed by his many friends in Australia and in the rest of the world.