David MCPHAIL Obituary

So sorry to hear of David's death. I recall great times at Cathedral Grammar school and in the Cathedral choir with David finding the funny side of the situation. His teasing of Canon Will Orange and Foster Brown, and me, remain a great memory.

There was never a more beautiful wicker-basket Ever.., than the one David used today to transport him from the river of this, his life, to the next

So funny liked his take on Rob Muldoon rip dave.

Dear Anne and family - I wish I could be there for today's celebration, which will continue forever among all those of us who watched and loved his comic genius over so many years. An old friend from NZBC News reporting - John S

A sad, sad loss to all of us, especially for David's family. I want to thank David for his time generously given when he became Lifeline Christchurch's Patron. His kindness, caring and passion for all was evident. A wonderful person. Ros Crighton

I was privileged to arrange an overseas holiday for David and his family many years ago and he was such a kind, humble and wonderful person.

Farewell to the years of wonderful friendship, now rest in peace forever.
Love, Allan and Glennis Godfrey

Such an entertainer and a gentleman, great memories that will be cherished. It was a pleasure working and knowing you David.

A truly generous man with whom to share a screen, and a downright lovely human being. Arohanui Anne and family xxx

A much loved entertainer and family man. He will be sorely missed.

What a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty fine man ! Was the song lyric that just popped into my head. I feel so privileged to have worked with David a few times, but moreover I feel honoured, that whenever our paths crossed he was so very lovely, supportive and encouraging of any endeavour. I wrote earlier that I felt a chapter was coming to an end in the book of NZ television, but perhaps we are actually closing a great book. The lights are surely dimmer in the world of Kiwi Entertainment for the loss of David, and my love and sympathy go to his whanau and close friends.

What a loss. David and I were very good friends from his early days at boys high and for many years after. We were members of the same choir at st James riccarton when first met the love of his life, Anne.
Dave was a very dear friend and I spent a lot of wonderful times with he and his family at Christmas time and later.
Words escape me I wish I could express the love i I had for the funnyist man I have ever known.
Rest In Peace dave

Sharing an office and typing David’s scripts more laughter than work done sometimes are some of my happy memories with David at TVNZ. Also such a caring gentle man who’s door was always open to anyone whenever whether it be for a laugh chat blow your stack ... we are left with wonderful stories and memories ... Thankyou David for some wonderful times never be forgotten ... Heather White (TVNZ 6th) & Rob White Music Film Critic The Star

When collaborating with David and Jon Gadsby on a small project, I took my Grandson Finn along to one of our meetings. He was 22 at the time and a young man of the world. After the meeting he told me, in awe, that David McPhail was the most brilliant and intelligent man he had ever had the privilege to meet....go well in to the night David, a treasure indeed.

The Final curtain call.
A Standing Ovation.
A Remarkable Talent leaves THE STAGE OF LIFE.
Thank you David for sharing your Genius.
RIP

McPHAIL, David Alexander:
QSM, ONZM
You’re a Bloody good Bloke,
and so say all of us!
David, you will be sadly missed.
You are a true treasure of the McPhail family, uniquely talented Artist and actor and admired immensely by all for your theatrical abilities and witty personality. You pursued a passionate career in Theatre, which from the sporting minded Rugby family set you on a different path, you achieved our highest respect and admiration in everything you did. Always loved by your brothers, Neil (NJ), Clem, John, and sister June (all sadly not with us), and loving nephews by marriage Ian ( deceased), Alastair, and niece Jan. From the wider McPhail family members, our sincere condolences go to Anne, Matt, Anna, and all the lovely grandchildren.
David’s legacy will be long endured by our generations
— McPhail Family