HUNDREDS of people gathered at St Mary Magdalene’s Anglican Church, St Marys this week to pay their respects at a heartfelt farewell to David Trist OAM, who had passed away just weeks before his 100th birthday.

The church hall and the historic church were both filled to capacity and then some with the surrounding grounds brimming with friends, family, community members, and well‑wishers – many of whom had known David for decades. They came together to honour a life marked by service, kindness, and unwavering spirit. 

The shared grief at his passing was tempered by celebration; for nearly a century lived, for a legacy of community connection, and for a character who remained quick-minded and generous until the end. He will be remembered as a gentleman, whose presence enriched many, and whose memory will remain deeply cherished.

David served in New Guinea in WW2 and continued his service to the community, from many years of active service as an RSL NSW member, a long-term Legatee in the Nepean area, to managing one of the largest branches of the Commonwealth Bank (St Marys) and offering consultative advice to local council on many occasions in relation to the development of the Penrith-St Marys area.

Deputy Mayor Ross Fowler delivered a lovely eulogy. 

“David gave fully and freely to many organisations and people over many years and it was a fitting acknowledgment of this service to the community when he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2016. The citation aptly reading “for service to the community through a range of organisations”.

Cr Fowler shared many personal memories of David, including one that partially related to his Army service and one that Cr Fowler said encapsulates what a compassionate man David was.

“In Bougainville, after the surrender, David was put in charge of a Japanese prisoner of war. They communicated in Pidgin English and David gave him cigarettes and tobacco for which the prisoner was thankful. In appreciation the prisoner gave David a banner from his Shinto Shrine, which David bought back with him to Australia after the war.

“In his later years, after much investigation, David uncovered the location of the shrine in Japan and asked me if I could arrange for the banner’s return. 

“Subsequently on a visit to Japan I had the privilege of returning that banner to the head priest of that same Shinto shrine. In appreciation the head priest made a special trip to Australia, visited David at home and thanked him in person for his kind gesture, presenting him with a gift in return. That gift was a packet of cigarettes the brand being “Peace”.”

Deputy Premier Prue Car MP knew him well and said, “David Trist OAM was one of St Marys greats. David was incredible man who has served our country and local community for over 70 years.

“He passionately dedicated his life to his family and community – as a serviceman, a volunteer for countless community organisations, and devoted husband to Betty Trist for over 70 years. 

“I am truly humbled to have had David’s unwavering support throughout my career, and honoured to have called him my mentor and friend. 

“I extend my deepest sympathies to David’s family, friends and local community. St Marys will not be the same without you. “

Our condolences to Betty and the rest of the family, extended family and friends of David Trist OAM.