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24 October 1946-22 November 2014
MB ChB (Otago), FRACP, FRNZCGP, DIH (Otago), Dip Av Med (Otago), FFOM (RCP)
David died on 22 November 2014, 14 months after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. He knew and accepted his prognosis, but his competitive spirit came out when he was able say he had lived longer than the average mortality statistics with this condition would suggest. His funeral was held at the Catholic Cathedral, Wellington, and was attended by 1,000 friends, family and colleagues-a very real tribute to someone who was known and respected by many and who had such a multiplicity of professional interests. He was gregarious and supportive of others, both colleagues and patients. He was a great communicator and managed his diverse life with verve, focus and positivity.
David was born in Wellington, the third child of Captain William Waite RNZN and Teresa Waite. His father was a naval officer and the family had to travel often. As a result, his education was in both New Zealand and in the UK; however his secondary schooling was at St Patricks College, Silverstream. His first year at university was at Victoria, where he sat medical intermediate and was accepted into Otago Medical School the following year. During that first university year, his father was diagnosed with a terminal malignancy and died during David's final exams. It was a tribute to his determination that he was able to focus and succeed during that stressful time.
After graduation from Otago in 1970, David spent 2 years as a house surgeon at Wellington hospital and then embarked on a career in pathology at Case Western Hospital;...