People have paid tribute to Mandurah identity David Waddell, who passed away earlier this week.
Mr Waddell had been a resident of Mandurah for 18 years.
He was passionate about the Peel region and developing its tourism sector because he believed “tourism benefits everybody” and was chair of Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation from 2014-2015.
Peel Development Commission chair Paddi Creevey said during Mr Waddell’s time on the commission's board he was able to bring both a community and business development f
“David was an outstanding human being: kind, gentle with a really fantastic sense of humour,” she said.
“He made an immense contribution and played a key role in the Peel 2020 Vision which was led by the commission as part of its sustainability agenda.”
Ms Creevey said together with his wife, Professor Jo Barker, Mr Waddell was a major patron of Mandurah’s performing arts scene.
He also thoroughly enjoyed his role as a lecturer at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams also paid tribute to Mr Waddell.
“David Waddell was one of those people with a big brain and a big heart who made everyone around him feel special,” he said.
“His contribution to Mandurah along with his contribution to Western Australia was significant, and we’ll miss him.”
A celebration of Mr Waddell’s life will be at the John Curtin Centre on Friday at 4.30pm.
