From my dealings with David, and I met him via a conversation I had with De Goose (AKA Larry Makin) here in Brisbane Australia many years ago.
That conversation led to communicating  quite often and included a string of friends like Little cope and all of his close friends he found when he became stranded with a car full of tools.
His background was quite "unique" and showed if you pull yourself out of a spiraling downhill tend you can definitely recover and make a better life for yourself.
It was with sadness I heard of the death of his daughter Said, however I was not aware he also lost a brother as well.
Recognition:-
If it was possible I would have to label him with an honourary  "Little Auzzie Battler award.
A most inspiring man, and somebody "I just met on the internet"
 

Regards Rob