TREASURED MATE REMEMBERED

Vale Dave Steele

By Mark Pellington | Account Manager, Kate Evans | Training Manager, Michael Cristaldi | OEM Account Manager

As some of you may be already aware, it is with deep sadness that we announce that David Steele lost his battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) on Sunday 10 April 2022.

Since being diagnosed with MND in November 2019, Dave, as he was known by all, managed to have as much fun, laughter and travel as possible with his wife Kim and their sons Jason and Adam.

It is extremely difficult to sum up a lifetime of memories and accomplishments in a few short paragraphs, particularly a life as vibrant as Dave’s. So, let us tell you about the memories that were shared by family, friends, and colleagues on the day of Dave’s funeral.

Despite it being a particularly cold and wet Melbourne April morning, there was an abundance of Western Bulldogs AFL scarves and colours adorned by many in the large crowd who had gathered to pay their respects. Both customers and colleagues gathered to farewell a man who was regarded as a larrikin, loved by many and a ‘Doggies’ fan to the core. This was a celebration of the life lived and not an occasion to dwell on what could have been.

Mick Cristaldi: “No matter how tough the day ahead was to be, Steely showed me that a good laugh was the best medicine in facing the challenges. He was the ultimate team player, willing to lend a hand and go the extra mile. “He was fiercely loyal to the company, having spent over 30 years in various roles across multiple locations. He was an empathetic and supportive leader to his team ensuring they were able to achieve their own goals. “The courage and resilience he showed in dealing with his diagnosis was truly inspiring. I never heard him ask ‘why me?’. He accepted his fate and it fuelled his determination to bring awareness and raise funds towards a cure.

“Watching Steely battle his illness was a reminder not to dwell on life’s silly little hurdles, but to move forward and appreciate things that really matter.” Mark Pellington: “Dave was ‘straight up and down’, what you saw was what you got, regardless of who he was talking to. He never saw himself as a victim of MND, instead setting out to raise as much money as he could to help support other sufferers of this dreadful disease.

“From his early life in Mount Gambier where, after being ‘locked up’ for the night, he managed to convince the Sergeant’s wife to cook breakfast for him, to his annual visits to Melbourne Cup Day, usually in fancy dress, that would end in a tour of many of Melbourne’s night-time establishments, Dave absolutely enjoyed life. “He will be dearly missed by his many colleagues, friends and most importantly family, however he will remain in our memories for years to come. As was stated at his funeral, he was just a genuine bloke.”

RIP Dave Steele.