Murchison fatal: Crash victim David Breese remembered as ‘loveable free spirit’ by family and friends

The man who lost his life on a Murchison road earlier this week has been remembered as a mischievous free spirit who was cherished by family and friends. David Breese, who was only days shy of his 37th birthday, died at the scene when he lost control of the truck he was driving on the Carnarvon-Mullewa Road, near Byro-Woodleigh Road, in the Murchison on Sunday evening. David’s mother Beverley Breese opened up to the Geraldton Guardian about her many treasured memories of her middle child, filled with laughter and joy. She said David was a much-loved and respected son, brother, cousin, uncle and friend to all who were lucky enough to cross his path. Mrs Breese lives in Kalamunda, and she said David was always in and out, but her “larger-than-life” boy’s home was always in the country. Born in Pinjarra, David, known by his mates as “Breesey”, began his own business as a driller and travelled around Australia for work. Mrs Breese said David lived in the Northern Territory for five years before travelling back to WA around two years ago. “He was based in Dongara, but he worked all over Western Australia since he returned from the Northern Territory,” she said. Mrs Breese said whatever needed to be done, David would be willing to help anyone. He was experienced in the field and dug for gold, diamond and water in many different climates, she said. Mrs Breese said as a child, he was one who could never be contained — a free-spirited person ready to take on any challenge. “If David wanted to do it, he did it,” she said. “He got into mischief, but he was the most loveable, vibrant child.” Mrs Breese likened the way people gravitated towards David as how a bee would to a honey pot. “It didn’t matter who they were — nationality or colour — he accepted someone for who they were, and that was him,” she said. “There was so many mischievous things he would get up to, and then he would flutter his eyelashes and grin at you and you were like, ‘whatever’.” Mrs Breese said her most cherished memory of David was his cheeky gift-giving techniques. She said David would give her flowers every year for her birthday — but it was more like “borrowing” them — and not from the store. “The flowers weren’t good enough unless he stole them from somebody’s garden, and then he would go back there the next day with a note and $20 to pay for the flowers he’d taken,” she said. “He has three little nephews he absolutely idolises, and he would always buy them the most ridiculous presents just because Mum and Dad said no. They loved him to bits.” Mrs Breese said David never cared what people thought, he was well-travelled with friends around the world, and it was staggering to think how many people he knew. “All his life he’s done what David wants to do. He’s such a free spirit, it’s like we could never pin him down,” she said. “We’ve always been there for each other if we ever needed it. It’s just devastated us, because he’s just not going to be there anymore.” Waves of social media tributes have flowed in since David’s life was cut short. One friend posted a heartfelt message: “What I wouldn’t give for one more phone call, one more outrageously ridiculous yarn. I hope they’re ready for you up at those Pearly gates, they’ve no idea of the ruckus they’re in for with you. You are so missed mate.” A fellow friend posted: “Fairy bread will forever be uncle Breese’s treat, Great Northern still tastes like s... but tonight I’m drinking it in your honour!” Another tribute from a friend said David had touched the heart and made a huge impact on many people, while another mate said she would picture him “dancing through a field with Export Christmas trees everywhere.” “You always knew how to bring a smile to those around you. Sending love and light to your family and loved ones,” the friend wrote. Friends and family will raise a toast for David’s 37th birthday this weekend.