1938 – 2024

It is with a particularly heavy heart that we must say farewell to an icon, a truly honourable gentleman, a dedicated family man, and a wonderfully caring friend.

David was a long-term member of both ANOS Central Coast Group, joining 2006, becoming a Patron in 2013 and a Life member in 2016, and ANOS Sydney, joining in the 1980s, and later bestowed a Life membership. He was a highly valued Club person to both Groups.

David was one of the true pioneers in the orchid world and, in particular, of Australian native orchids. He was a prodigious author of articles for various Australian and international publications, and for his local Societies’ monthly newsletters. All were meticulously written and researched. He greatly appreciated, and liked to credit his wife, Elizabeth, for all her assistance in “tweaking and editing”. He had a talent for producing well balanced articles that were a joy to read and view, always leaving the reader richer for the experience. In addition to his written articles, there were the many talks, complete with Power Point presentations, that always drew in the members and inspired us all to try to emulate him, to some small degree at least. A man more generous with his time and his knowledge would be hard to find. He gave of his knowledge willingly and unconditionally.

David was a highly regarded orchid hybridist with many registrations to his name. In particular, his use of Sarcochilus hirticalcar hybrids providing a good range of well-shaped, colourful orchids with an extended flowering season. Den. Midas Touch and Den. Cosmic Gold are just two of the more notable Dendrobium registrations of Davids. His legacy lives on.

Growing and showing orchids was also a passion for David. He was a perfectionist in his techniques and was a stickler for “presenting” his orchids at their best. He believed that as we would shower and dress appropriately for the outing so too should the orchids be clean and tidy for presentation at shows. This led to many Champions for him. Along with taking out shows, including as late as last year’s shows, Davids plants received 17 ANOS awards, 16 AOC awards, plus a couple of AOC Orchids of the Year, and numerous Ira Butler awards.

Farewell David, a man who lived a life well lived and who left this world a better place. We will miss you immensely. Our thoughts go to the Butler family.

Tribute by Carole Barnett