The Southern Highlands has bid farewell to a true character.
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He had always coped very well and was a popular member of the community, but the dementia had caused him to reduce his social activities in recent years.”
- Sister, Dawn Casson
David Stanley MacDonald was born on May 2, 1947. Sadly, David suffered meningitis shortly after birth. This resulted in him becoming deaf and unable to speak.
However, his sister Dawn Casson said David’s disability did not hold him back. She said said he was very social and a well-known character in Mittagong, especially the business area.
He was a familiar face at the cafes in the area where he would do odd jobs such as washing up. She said David was an early riser and would get up at 4.30am of a morning for many years to roll newspapers for a Mittagong newsagent so that the papers could be delivered to houses in the community.
He also loved to head to the bakery early for fresh baked goods and would frequently go to the markets for buy fresh produce for a Mittagong fruit and vegetable shop.
David was a regular at the Sheltered Workshop which was once held in the grounds of Annesley in Bowral, before relocating to another site in Bowral and most recently operating from a property in Drapers Road, Willow Vale. He attended the Sheltered Workshop, in its various location, for about 25 years.
Dawn said her brother made the most of life.“He loved to go to the movies and especially enjoyed slapstick comedy. He enjoyed a beer each day and a favourite activity was going to the Mittagong RSL Club for a beer on Sundays,” she said.
Dawn said her brother’s involvement in the community had become less in recent years after he was diagnosed with dementia.
“He had always coped very well and was a popular member of the community, but the dementia had caused him to reduce his social activities in recent years,” she said.
“His illness meant he wasn’t able to live the life he had always enjoyed, but I’m sure many people will remember David with a grin and a stroy to tell.”
David died on June 30 and was farewelled by family and friends with a funeral on July 7. This was held at St Michaels Catholic Church, Mittagong.
He was a much loved brother and uncle of Cecil, Delores, Grahame, Les (deceased), Dawn, Wally and Pauline. He will also be sadly missed by close friend Leo who had looked out for him for many years.
