Dad, You have left an incredible legacy in what you did for everyone around you dad, and although your physical presence is no longer with us, your memory lives on in us. Every year since you left us, events have been held in your honour, from the Golden Stave Golf Day's Ambrose competition being renamed the David Gilchrist Challenge in 2013 with a trophy bearing both your name and picture, through to me taking my first tentative step towards actual vulnerability in raising more than $1500 for charity in your memory in 2013 on the promise of having my head shaved for the first time since having shunt surgery as an infant, and it being such a success that I've done it every year since under the "Bald Gilly" tag line, raising close to 10 grand for a number of charities since, regularly chipping in my own money to make that extra bit of a difference. Shaun & I are regulars representing you at the Golf Days, and every time I look at my phone, I the picture of you and I taken at my high school graduation 23 years ago. You are in everything I do and always will be, dad. With every day that passes, I value the 29 years, 10 months and 7 days I was able to show and tell you I love you. Eleven ****ing years since I shared with the world a small fraction of what you mean to me... you always will be all those sentiments and so much more

Hopefully, for those who find the below post a bit "condensed" due to the Respectance interface being pure text will be able to get to the much better formatted version of it posted to Facebook https://www.facebook.com/notes/10160505904799056/

Dad, Eleven years.... Just saying that out loud brings me to tears... I'm mad at myself because it has been a decade since I last posted on this page. Not long after I last posted here, I started to write a tribute to you which took me over 6 months to finish. I was in a very dark place when I wrote it, Just as I knew I had to stand before a chapel that was both overflowing in attendance and timing to share with the world the man you were to me, I also knew that I needed to put into words my private thoughts in the days and months that followed. I needed to come to terms with the reality that Superman wasn't invincible, so I wrote this for you. I love and miss you every waking second of every single day. Superhero In loving memory of (Norman) David Gilchrist (dad) Everyone in life needs a superhero Someone we can always look up to A guiding light to see us through the storm For all of my life that person is you Even though you left us now over a year ago I still feel your presence every day Why is it so hard to believe the things I’ve come to know? Words that cut me far too deep to say I try every day with each beat of my heart To let the best in you inspire me But it seems what I am is still so far apart From the man you’d want me to be I try different ways to live up to your name But something’s missing I just can’t see If your influence brings out the best Then why do I still see the worst in me? You were taken from us years too soon I felt there was so much for you left to teach Your voice plays in my head like a favourite tune Someday soon I hope your message will reach You were superman, you’ll always be adored I’m honoured to call myself your son So dear dad, here’s to you, one of life’s larrikins For someone like you, there will only ever be just one.

Firstly On behalf of everyone here today I offer sincere condolences to Penny, and all David’s family. I have been asked to talk on David’s years in the music industry and to emphasise that we are here today to mark and celebrate David’s life, as he would have wished. Norman David Gilchrist – I am sure many of you never knew David’s first name was Norman. I only found that out myself after I had known him a number of years. I always thought he didn’t like the name until I met his brothers and found out that all of the Gilchrist boys were known by their middle names. A strange quirk in the Gilchrist family – one of many that became well known to us all at EMI and Warners. We were all fortunate to have lived and worked in the halcyon days of the music industry living through the technological stages of 45s, LPs, quadraphonics, cartridges, cassettes and finally CDs – a period where we had good margins , could take a lot more risks and were able to rework and market the catalogue through each of these phases. It was a period where David showed his many skills and talents. David spent over a quarter of a century in the industry. Not bad for a man who acknowledged he was challenged in the areas of musical tone had the rhythm of a walrus and at times had the tact of a sledge hammer. He however loved the job, the music and especially working with the artists. I first met David when he applied for a sales rep position at EMI and Alex Coroneos bought him along to meet me for his final interview. David always claimed that at that interview I simply asked him if he played rugby – his answer was yes – and he was duly appointed . My recollections are a little different to that however we will stay with his.<br /> <br /> David had many roles at both EMI and Warners. He started as Sales Rep, then Sales Supervisor, progressed to State Manager in South Australia and Queensland. Headed up pre-production and production and on my return to EMI he was appointed Marketing Manager . He worked with many talented people at that time at EMI many are here today.<br /> David was regarded one of the Wellington boys - ie David Snell, Rob Walker and himself – the place started to look like an All Black team.<br /> We all had many happy and fruitful days at the old EMMI.<br /> In the early 90s, David moved with me to Warner Music, where he took the role of Marketing Director then after several years moved to Warner Music Asia Pacific as Marketing Director for the region – an interesting role for David as the Asian companies were often puzzled by his unique wit and his own take on political incorrectness.<br /> After 3 or 4 years of helping to grow the businesses in Asia, we were very glad to welcome David back into Australia where he took the role of 2 I C at EDC – the distribution company formed between EMI, Sony and Warner Music.<br /> David, as I said earlier, had many attributes. A couple that come to mind were his ability to stretch the marketing dollar further than we could ever understand - to the point where you would have thought it was his own money.<br /> If anyone ever queried his spend he would listen intently, interjecting the argument with his inimitable “yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah”, which could be interpreted as ‘I agree’, ‘I disagree’ or simply ‘I don’t give a shit’.<br /> <br /> David had a simplistic view of the music business in any argument he had within the Team he simply stated “this business is easy – “airplay bin gone”. For the uninitiated, that meant that if you had a record on radio and it was displayed at retail in what was known as a ‘dump’ bin, it would automatically sell. Not always true.but, that was David.<br /> David was respected and liked by his colleagues, competitors, artists - and the industry in general. He was a man unafraid to make a decision – often right sometimes wrong. Whatever the decision was, David showed little regret and always moved on. In the daily banter between his colleagues and himself he gave as much as he received and most times with that big smile on his face.<br /> <br /> There are many stories David loved to recall of his years in the music business. I know he shared them quite often with his sons and his large eclectic circle of friends-<br /> as is evidenced by all gathered here today.<br /> I feel very privileged to be asked to say a few words today as although he started as a work colleague – David and the family are, and will always be, close personal friends. Throughout David’s illustrious career, his family played a major role, and focus, in his life - he was always there to help and support them and they him.<br /> Finally<br /> The decision to hire that brash Kiwi Eastern Suburbs rugby player to the job of Sales Rep over 30 years ago was absolutely the right one.<br /> I could stand here for many more hours and relive beloved folk law about David, Gilk, NDG, Gilchrist, Gil/CHRIST, DG, Cyclops, or simply Davo - however we can save these for the beers we will be having for him and the toast that we will be having to him at the North Ryde RSL down the road.<br /> <br /> I am sure I speak on behalf of the whole industry, past and present and all of you here, in passing on our love and condolences once again to Penny, David’s children Shaun, Adrian, and Tracey; and grandchildren Charlie and Logan - and all extended family.<br /> <br /> David, we love and will miss you.

My next couple of contributions towards dad's memorial page will be reposting of eulogies read out during dad's memorial service starting with my own (which was last in the order of service). Reposted below is the full written eulogy which was significantly reduced due to timing, as well as others' input before me. =========== David Gilchrist Eulogy - Delivered by Adrian Gilchrist on 28 October 2011 =========== I always knew that if this time ever came, I would want to try to put into words just how much of an impact dad has had on our lives. The key word there is try. No words could ever do justice to the man that dad was, but I will try. When dad came into the world, they broke the mould. Everyone here would agree that dad was one of a kind. In dealing with raising a child with a disability, doing whatever it takes to make sure he gave us the best of everything, including the overseas living experience of a lifetime, to showing us what it takes to not give up when life throws everything it has at you, to call David Gilchrist an inspiration is an understatement. To be able to call him dad is an honour we will cherish our entire lives. As a husband or 32 years, a father of 38 years and a grandfather of coming up to 4 years, there was always enough love to go around. The most significant life lesson I have learnt from dad has been a simple one: mind over matter. No matter what life throws at you, you’re only doing everything you can if you have the right attitude. In dad’s case, his attitude was reflected in a song by his favourite artist. Put quite simply, dad did things his way, without any limits that weren’t self-imposed, for as long as possible. I think it’s safe to say that most people here today have been inspired by dad’s refusal to stick to any limits. On more than one occasion growing up, Shaun and I would see dad not taking notice of street signs. To him, seeing a speed limit sign often meant “must go at least what the sign says” and heaven help anyone going the correct way down a one-way street if it wasn’t the direction dad wanted to go… the defence was “but I’m only going one way”. It may have seemed like wishful thinking with dad’s 60th birthday costume being Superman, but to us as his family, he was. It was more than pure coincidence that father and son had the same costume. Dad may well have meant it as a joke or ego boost, but he will always be superman to his family and friends, and especially to me as his youngest son. Even though the last 6 months have been difficult, it has been dad’s strength that I have drawn on to keep as many people updated as possible. Whether it was his rumoured juvenile delinquency, driving abilities, his sense of humour, his “healthy ego” or the fact that he treated everyone he knew as a member of the family, David Gilchrist will be remembered as one of a kind in all the best possible ways. Everyone here loves and misses you Dad.

On behalf of members of our extended family and friends who send through their e-mail memories of dad, I will be periodically updating this site as a memorial in honour of dad's memory. This site will perpetually be a site for loved ones to share their memories of the life of David Gilchrist: ======================================= Once upon a time Penny brought home a scruffy Kiwi to live with us at Hill Crescent. The general expectation was that he would find a job. The months rolled by, and although David did peruse the positions vacant classifieds from time to time, he couldn’t muster any enthusiasm for anything he saw. We began to think “any job is better than no job”, but if ever the subject came up, Penny would explain diplomatically that David would know the right job when he saw it. In those days there were only kinds of Kiwis in Australia, occupying the two extreme ends of the socio-economic scale, and there was always a little reservation about which end David would occupy, but there was never any doubt that if Penny believed in him, then we all did too. Eventually David saw an ad for EMI music, and shared the thought that he wouldn’t mind managing a company like that. “Yeah right” we all thought. And the rest is history. Here’s to you mate. - Tony Roe, David’s brother-in-law, Penny’s brother, uncle and godfather to Shaun & Adrian ==== As I mentioned to Adrian, I could have written more, and probably edited my Eulogy to David if I had the right frame of mind - which I didn't. Only now with things starting to 'settle' and fully sink in I have a few more thoughts I could have shared: Philip, Jennifer and Lena have all been so moved by the loss of David. Probably Philip most, as he had the good fortune to have visited you all most recently. Jennifer has been a real comfort to me during this time as well since I've been working from home quite a bit recently. Philip still uses the expression - or one of the expressions - that David used on other drivers ...... so I guess he had a positive influence on my children as well. I never in my life saw David angry and never heard a malicious word about anyone. Of course there were always a few well-chosen expletives..... I'm sure the family was well represented by my siblings in the last weeks and days. - Paul Gilchrist, David’s youngest brother. Supplemental to the eulogy read out on his behalf during the service ===

Today marks my 30th birthday, and the first of the rest of my life where I'm not able to hug my dad and tell him how much I love him. Just the thought of making it through the day without him is enough to make me want to crawl into a whole and forget about it. As much as life goes on and we're doing what we can to keep ourselves busy, a part of it will never move on and there will always be a part of me that will want to turn back time to before May 9th 2011, when the man I will always see as Superman was still indestructible. In life, you possessed immeasurable courage. In death you have left a legacy that inspires us to lead by example. You're always going to be with me in everything that I achieve. I am the man I am because of you. I love you and miss you, and think of you every hour of every day dad.

David was the life/soul of any gathering. He would stay with us in CA. and tour us greatly around in Sydney. Visiting here more frequently over the years it made those times more special and memorable. To know David was to love him. He was a truly good person and gentleman who made all of our lives better for having known him. God bless you dear David and may your light continue to shine esp. for and on beautiful Penny, and handsome son's Adrian and Shaun.You are missed hugely forever on. xxx

There is just a gap which cant be filled. Every day there is something that reminds me how much of an impact you have had in my, and others lives. It is so sad you get to miss what were sposed to be the time to enjoy the fruits of what youve achieved. You were robbed of these times, and the chance to see you grandchildren grow up, which is the hardest thing to come to grips with. You didnt take shit, you told it how it was, yet you endeared everyone to you. Its a unique human being who can do this. The turnout out your memorial was testament to this. I love you Dad, and I dont think there will be a day go by that we dont remember your spirit, your zest for life, and most importantly how you maintained this stoic attitude throughout your illness. You inspire me, and you will always will. I love you Dad.

There is just a gap which cant be filled. Every day there is something that reminds me how much of an impact you have had in my, and others lives. It is so sad you get to miss what were sposed to be the time to enjoy the fruits of what youve achieved. You were robbed of these times, and the chance to see you grandchildren grow up, which is the hardest thing to come to grips with. You didnt take shit, you told it how it was, yet you endeared everyone to you. Its a unique human being who can do this. The turnout out your memorial was testament to this. I love you Dad, and I dont think there will be a day go by that we dont remember your spirit, your zest for life, and most importantly how you maintained this stoic attitude throughout your illness. You inspire me, and you will always will. I love you Dad.

There is just a gap which cant be filled. Every day there is something that reminds me how much of an impact you have had in my, and others lives. It is so sad you get to miss what were sposed to be the time to enjoy the fruits of what youve achieved. You were robbed of these times, and the chance to see you grandchildren grow up, which is the hardest thing to come to grips with. You didnt take shit, you told it how it was, yet you endeared everyone to you. Its a unique human being who can do this. The turnout out your memorial was testament to this. I love you Dad, and I dont think there will be a day go by that we dont remember your spirit, your zest for life, and most importantly how you maintained this stoic attitude throughout your illness. You inspire me, and you will always will. I love you Dad.

No mere words can ever sum up David Gilchrist's life. A month has past by without him, and life will never be the same again. Dad, I tried to tell you every chance I got how much you meant to me and even though you're not here to guide my life in the ways you did when you were by our sides, you will always be a part of me in every little thing I do. You inspired us all in life to be all we could and your memory keeps us going in trying to be the people you inspired us to be. We will always love you and miss you every day. Words can never express the honour that it is to able to call myself your son.

David was our well-loved general assistant. We will miss his wit and friendliness. The children will also remember his kindness and helpfulness. RIP David.

The Friday golfers will miss Dave's wit, humor and ability to make everyone else's putting look good. It has been a pleasure to spend time with you on the fairways of life Dave.