Editor asked David via his daughter Sally, four questions which editor thought you may like to read:
1. Is there something from 45 years membership of Rotary Melbourne that makes you happy or proud?
He served on the Rotary Club Board for 2 years. He is most proud of Rotary's many philanthropic achievements throughout the years and extremely happy about the many friendships he has shared during his 45 years of membership.
2. From your vast work in menswear, what is one of the moments in time and fashion, you enjoyed the most?
He was Chairman of the National Menswear Industry Body and likewise, on the board of the Fashion Council of Victoria. During those years he fought for the survival of the local menswear manufacturing sector. A special moment during this time was the irony of winning orders to export his brand of high fashion, locally manufactured Mens' suits jackets and trousers to Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong as a direct and ongoing result of a Victorian Government Export initiative.
3. What does football look like today compared to VFL?
Modern players are now truly professional. They're paid professional salaries, so they don't have to support themselves with a second job. They're consequently fitter, more athletic and therefore the game is played at a generally much faster pace than in the VFL days. However too much reactionary aggression remains and can still spoil a game.
4. What is something that your friends in Rotary Melbourne do not know about? (eg. addicted to chocolate?)
He was a tennis fanatic and always played a decent game of tennis, dating back to hosting regular Sunday morning tennis with a group of friends, on his tennis court in Hopetoun Road, and afterwards at the homes of other friends until two years ago when he just couldn't move quickly enough any more. He particularly enjoyed those earlier times when his long time dear friend, the late Sir Zelman Cowan (brother-in-law of the late David Wittner) was able to join in.
Finally, his secret to long life is to enjoy a pre-dinner scotch and a glass of red wine every night! His only regret is, like many others, not being able to see his grandchildren and great grandchildren "in the flesh" during Covid19 restrictions.
