I arrived with my family in October 1974 and well remember only a short time later reading that David had run the third fastest time ever over ten miles, four and a half minutes per mile. Truly amazing. I met him personally at the Gawler Relays and briefly chatted with the gentleman after my early leg of the run as a veteran. His turn came, he said "Excuse me, I have to go"and he flew off at an alarming rate of knots for the final leg for his team. In no time at all he was back again, a real champion and gentleman. So sad to lose him.

I didn't know Dave through sport, but through work - he was my manager for a number of years. He was a good bloke - he managed people, not processes, with understanding and compassion. We've lost a good one.

David was fast. It was amazing to see him run on the tracks. He is a winner, champion, and its sad to have lost him. My deepest sympathies for the Fitzsimon family.