David’s Eulogy
I am going to tell you about what I know of the man, David Gee. He was a son, a brother, a cousin, a husband, a father and grandfather, an uncle, a boss, a neighbour or friend who in some way touched the lives of literally thousands of people. I am sure some of you know stories about David – both good and bad – that I do not know. But if you really knew him then you would also know what I know to be true essence of David: that he was a man who cared deeply about other people. Some people are indifferent to others, some people even go out of their way to cause trouble. But David was always a man who wanted to help, and did not just talk about helping either. He did it. Just see how often this characteristic reoccurs in his story.
David was born in Wyndham, Western Australia in 1924
His parents Gee Hong Yet & Gee Li Kim managed a shop in Wyndham and Dad talked about him and Ernest going to buy eggs - walking a few hours on a blazingly hot, dusty road to collect these each day.
He talked about going to college in New Norcia outside of Perth and how hard life was in those days....that he played some Aussie Rules but liked Hockey. (Rugby, wrestling and kung fu movies: He always had a secret liking for violence despite his kind nature.)
Dad told me about his days as publican for the Darwin Hotel – and how he managed to keep the peace – in his words ‘using bluff’
David also talked about having some motorbike accident and as a result suffering chronic sore shoulders...I soon learnt that he liked me – or anyone else - to massage his back – anytime, endlessly - and that was David's favorite pastime.
David always talked about his days in the Australian Airforce ....and how Ernie his beloved brother suffered from cancer after returning from New Guinea with the Australian Infantry.
David adopted me officially when I was about 8 years old but he adored and treated my brothers Robert and Warren as though they were his own. He always looked after May and made sure that she was managing.
David cared for his family (brothers and sisters) and although not without occasional family squabbles, David managed Gee's Food Center in Parap, Darwin. He really enjoyed the tropical lifestyle centred around his dream beachfront house at Nightcliff, Darwin. Some of you will remember enjoying regular weekend BBQs in the manicured garden there. These were times of too much food, too much drink and a lot of laughter. They were truly the good times when David reveled in the company of his young family and also before the big chain supermarkets made it up to the Far North.
I know David deeply cared for his family Doris, Lena, Winky), Glenda and Maurice....Although they were spread out all over Australia, once a Gee, always a Gee it seems.
I can still see the caravan that was in our downstairs area that Bruce, Margaret and kids used to stay with us before going to HK. David and Cindy really loved the Sham family and of all his friends these were the closest.
He loved travel and took the family for holidays as often as possible - he took us to Japan, HK, and thru Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore. And to New Zealand USA and Fiji as well.
He was a avid supporter of the local Chinese community and gave his time willingly to the Darwin Chung Wah society...for which he served as President. David was also (Honourary) President for Darwin Red Cross.
He loved his wife Cindy and did everything he could to spoil her ....his daughter Kerry was the apple of his eye. There were many many speeches I heard him give at the Chung Wah Dragon balls and at other events .....I really admired his leadership.
He never smoked and never drank but at the same time never denied others who liked those vices....
He loved to read and always had magazines everywhere in the house. He loved his afternoon naps.
David loved to entertain and so many a stranger or distant friend became a guest at our house. I recall a number of times that he entertained a navy destroyer crew and another time a submarine crew at home. He made friends so easily.
David was quiet yet gregarious. He could talk with anyone and often did.
He never asked for favours from them just loved to have their company.
I never wanted for anything in return David made sure that all his friends were comfortable.
He had a sweet tooth one of his favorite desserts was Cindy's famous apple pie with a big helping of cream and ice cream.
David loved card games with his many friends in Darwin and later with his Sydney crowd.
He sent Robert, Warren and myself to Newington in Sydney to get an education I know he always wanted the best for us boys. Later he also supported Robert and Warren through their university days and with their weddings....David took his responsibility to his brother very seriously.
After Cyclone Tracy in Darwin he stayed on for the reconstruction effort and was in charge of Darwin Relief - serving food and giving out aid to the cyclone victims.
David himself suffered financially as a result of the cyclone but he was proud and "suffered in silence".
He went through a lot during that time and after he moved to Sydney...his businesses were not that good......but he was always was cheerful and kept this hidden.
He was proud to be godfather to Cheryl Berryman and also to Justin Leong When Kerry and I had grand children Nathan Amber Jeremy Ethan and Heather he loved them greatly and although he had little to give, was always generous. As a man, David was generous to fault. Nothing was too much for his kids or grandchildren. He was also always generous to himself. When it came to the seconds or thirds at his beloved all-you-can-eat buffets or six-course, formal dinners on a cruise, he was overly-indulgent. “Well, just a little more roast beef perhaps” he’d say.
I got no doubt that these little indulgences didn’t help him with his later medical challenges (diabetes, heart bypasses, muscle pain)
Another fault of his was a love of making jokes, sticking to a routine of the same old lines, recycled again and again. And again. Others would groan, Cindy would say “Oh David!”and roll her eyes but he would laugh merrily at his own jokes anyway. He never tired of these jokes and told them just as enthusiastically for the hundredth time. This was a David that you could not help but to love. I would give anything to hear him laugh like that again.
As a Father he always had the time for a chat. He was kind in nature and loved us unconditionally. He was always proud of any little accomplishments of his children and grand children, telling everyone and anyone even when we cringed with embarrassment. He inspired and encouraged us to be the best that we could be.
I'm proud of my Dad - he was a great man: always generous and always giving. He was a man quick to smile, eager to greet family or friends with a ready handshake or hug. Please remember him this way. I and the others closest to him certainly will remember David with great fondness for as long as we live. He is already sorely missed.
