Ellison, David Tohurangi
Upoko Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki
926453 2nd Battalion NZ Infantry Unit, Malaya 1959-1961
On February 15, 2025, at the Otago Community Hospice, Dunedin, peacefully surrounded in love. Dearly loved husband of Kathleen, and the late Annie, loved father and father-in-law of Roslyn and Douglas (Paraparaumu), and Edward (Dunedin), cherished Papa of Kate (Pararparaumu).
Whanau wish to thank the staff of the Otago Community Hospice and Dunedin Hospital for their loving care of David. In lieu of flowers donations to the Otago Community Hospice would be appreciated and may be left at the service, or below.
The Tangihanga for David will be held at Puketeraki Marae, 520 Apes Road, Karitane. Puketeraki hapū, whanauka o te Tai Araiteuru & close friends are asked to arrive by 10.30am. Community organisations, friends and colleagues of David are invited to pay their respects to David from the afternoon of Thursday, February 20. The Funeral Service for David will be held in the same Marae at 1:00pm on Friday, February 21. Messages can be left below where a livestream of Friday's service may also be viewed.
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Recording of ServiceMessages
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It is with a very heavy heart that I read of David's passing. My heart felt condolences to you all David's whanau. Such fond memories of our times at Karitane. Rest in Peace David.
Our sincere condolences. With the deepest respect, our thoughts are with you all, Ellison whanau. ngā mihi, Anna and Brent
Dearest whaanau, lots of love and blessings during this time. I can't seem to write in full sentences easily so here is my word bomb: Adventurous, unique, gentle, rangatira, historian, advocate, a lover of people, a story teller, a green finger gardener, a memory holder, a dapper dresser, kind, a listener, interesting, intelligent, hospitable... Aroha nui David xxx
Sincere condolences to David’s family on his passing. I am David’s cousin. My father Charles Taylor was David’s mother Dolly’s brother.
Deepest sympathy to the Ellison Whanau. My late husband, Les, thought a great deal about you and your strengths. The first time I met David was when I lived in Karitane, and on his return from his teaching stint in Canada. I was fascinated to hear of some of his experiences. May he rest in peace: xx Rona
E noho I te rangimarie, e matua, David. E rere ana oku whakaaro aroha, ki ou whanau, ki ka whanau ki Puketeraki.
My sincere condolences to whanau and friends on the passing of this wonderful gentleman - a grand kauri has fallen from the forest! Thank you Matua David for the friendship, knowledge and aroha you showed me. It has been an immense pleasure having you in my life. Arohanui, Donna
Farewell friend - I shall miss you. Thank you for all you taught me, from tomato growing to mātauranga, for all your help and advice at the University of Otago and for all those cups of tea and stories we shared in Kenakena. Ngā mihi maioha Eddie, for all the love and care for David these past few months. Much love to Ros and family.
In 1974 Mr. Ellison was the principal of my school (Del Van Gorder) in Faro, Yukon, Canada. I was in 6th Grade. His stern but soft presence both kept us in line while encouraging us to do our best. Half a century later I can still feel his presence in my life. I was fortunate to be able to visit him in Dunedin twice over the past year and a half, the second time with two of my kids. He blessed a pounamu for my daughter Alena, which she wears to this day. We will miss you Mr Ellison, but I'm sure you are organizing things up in heaven and making your presence felt there as well.
An amazing taonga not just because of his mana but because of the oral history he shared so openly with such pride and passion. Forever respected. Enjoy your next journey my wonderful caring cousin.
With our Deepest Sympathy to the Ellison Family on the death of David. We had some happy times when the family came to visit us in Hampden. I will not be able to attend the Funeral because of my mobility problems. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Dawson and Sadie Murphy .
I met Dave and Cathy and the kids in Mayo, Yukon,Canada. Dave’s father was the connection for Lindsay getting a job in Mayo. We have many fond memories of time spent together in Canada and New Zealand. Lindsay’s niece helped care for Dave in the past few years so we also got messages from him that way. Rest in peace. My thoughts are with the family he leaves behind.