It is with much sadness that I onforward Mick Storrs email advising of the passing of an old friend and MOBI David Maxwell. David was one of the Project Planners in Garden Island Dockyard when I was MEO of HMAS PERTH and we had both been together as Instructors at HMAS NIRIMBA. Professionally, we worked well together however, on the social front, we managed to get into some very enjoyable situations the stories from which are probably better left unsaid.

Farewell to an old MOBI, a professional man and a fine friend.

I am sure that our thoughts are now with his family and friends.

Bob Mummery


From Facebook Bob: “Vale Dave Maxwell - retired Commander, RAN, O42953 Dave passed away peacefully at home last night (Friday 23rd June), Dave was with Virginia and daughters Sam, Michelle and families.
There will be a Memorial and Tribute held at the Ballina RSL, date and time TBA.
On behalf of the Northern Rivers Naval and Mariners Association committee and members I would like to pass on our heartfelt condolences to Virginia and Family.
Sincerely
Dave Mc - Secretary - NRNMA Ballina”

Mick Storrs

Vietnam Service

MAXWELL, David Robert O42953

5 x Vietnam Trips in HMAS Sydney 1971 - 1972.

I had the privilege of serving with Dave on the "Ferry" for a couple of years. Apart from the watchkeeping & Tiffy stuff, I can still fondly remember competing and partnering Dave in heaps of card games. It was the bantering and laughter that will be with me for ever. Later, just before I paid off, I would often bump into Dave, as we would be walking through GI at the end of the day, and he would always chat just as old mess mates.

All very sad for such a good bloke to end this way. My condolences to his family and friends. - BC

RIP Dave Your watch is done, BZ.

_________________
Brian Carney
R43371
Ex-WOMTP5
22nd Mobi Intake
Jan 67 - Jan 89
RANATE, Sydney, Swan, Creswell, Stalwart (FMU), Cerberus, Derwent, Nirimba, Parramatta, Nirimba, FHQ (FMMO).

Sad, sad, sad, another Mobi gone. Only met Dave on the Rocks Runs, a really nice bloke who will be sadly missed.

_________________

John Kelly (WEBMASTER)
R42620
Ex-WOMTH
13th MOBI Intake
July'62 to July'83
Nirimba x3 - Rushcutter - Sydney x2 (Carrier) - Melbourne (Carrier) - Penguin - Kuttabul - Creswell x3 - Stalwart x2 - Brisbane.

Sorry to hear of Daves passing. I was indeed fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him when with Naval Support Command and at HMAS Waterhen.

_________________
Brian Mackenzie
ex-Shipwright Instructor
Oct '88 to Dec '93 (NIRIMBA) before and beyond

Dave's battle with terminal liver cancer was discussed at length in posts in our "In The Sickbay..." Topic, some of which I'll bring into this Topic, starting with...


ONCE A MOBI, ALWAYS A MOBI... Rest on your oars, Dave, your journey's done... VALE, R.I.P. and thank you for your service...

_________________

Rick Pengilly
WEBMASTER
Ex-CPOMTH3
R42630
13th MOBI Intake
July'62 to July'74
HMAS Nirimba - HMAS Melbourne - HMAS Cerberus - HMAS Tarangau - HMAS Lonsdale - HMAS Tarangau - HMAS Nirimba - HMAS Brisbane

Very sad to hear Dave has passed away

RIP Dave

_________________
Peter Ferris
R65102
Ex-WOMTP5
Direct Entry
Mar 1966 to July 1987
Cerberus X 3,Waterhen x 4,Supply, Gull,Ibis, Paluma, Lonsdale, Flinders x 2,Curlew, Snipe, Carpentaria, Nirimba, Adelaide, FHQ (DEE)

Just so sad, yet another good guy gone!

_________________
Graeme 'Smiley' Rhodes
R94714
Ex-CPOMTP(D)5
Jan'65 Leeuwin Intake (10th) - Jan'66 Nirimba Intake (20th)
Jan'65 to Mar '88
Leeuwin, Nirimba, Stalwart, Samarai, Lae, Penguin, Curlew, Buccaneer, Navy Office, Barbette, Cairns, RANTTU (based in Port Moresby), Stirling, Bunbury.

Very sad to hear. Lots of good memories.
Vale Dave, a pleasure to have served with you, RIP.

_________________
Mike (Pony) Moore
O42860
Ex-LT GLEN(ME)
16th MOBI intake
Jan 64 - Jul 88.
Anzac, Nirimba, Stalwart, Moresby, Creswell, Waterhen, Penguin, Vampire, GMGID (PJP), Coonawarra, Attack, Ardent, Cook, Kuttabull, Cerberus.

May your walls know joy; May every room hold laughter and every window open to great possibility.

RIP

Dave, Fair Winds and Following seas

_________________
Charlie (Chuckles) Britt JP TPI
Welfare Pensions Officer
R95712
Ex-LME(D) LSMTP2
17th Intake JR's, 23rd MOBI Intake .
Oct 66 - Nov 74
Leeuwin, Nirimba, Cerberus, Stalwart, Cerberus, Waterhen, Penguin, Carpentaria, Dolphin, Penguin, Sydney, Albatross, Leeuwin, Acute, Leeuwin, Cerberus, Stalwart, Waterhen, Attack, Leeuwin, DEE.

Very sad to hear of Dave's passing...

Was hoping that he'd overcome the disease and I'd be able to have a few sherbets with him at the Rock's Run this year. Hopefully I'll get there and have a few beers for him...

RIP Dave, fair winds and smooth seas...

_________________
Robin (Bob) King
R105234
Ex-WOETS4
25th MOBI Intake
July 68 - June 88
Nirimba, Waratah (Dam Neck), Brisbane, Waratah (Mare Is & LBNSY), Harman (CDSC), Waratah (Mare Is), Brisbane, Harman (Navy Office & CDSC), Waratah (Dam Neck & Mare Is), Harman (CDSC)

Wisdom comes with age, sometimes age comes alone.

David Maxwell Memorial

There will be a Farewell Tribute for David Maxwell at Spinnakers, Ballina RSL from 1100, Thursday 20th July 2023.

Jackets and Medals to be worn please.




Contact Virginia at virginia.langham@gmail.com for more information.

_________________
Brian Carney
R43371
Ex-WOMTP5
22nd Mobi Intake
Jan 67 - Jan 89
RANATE, Sydney, Swan, Creswell, Stalwart (FMU), Cerberus, Derwent, Nirimba, Parramatta, Nirimba, FHQ (FMMO).