VALE DAVID C BELL OAM
Dear members
It is with great sadness that I advise you of the death of David C Bell OAM, who passed away unexpectedly on 21st March 2023.
Our deepest condolences are with David’s family, and we await their advice regarding memorial service arrangements.
As an advocate for the Australian business aviation community, David’s dedication and passion were unparalleled. As Chief Executive Officer of the ABAA for almost 20 years, he steered the association with unfaltering commitment and the utmost professionalism. His achievements on behalf of the membership will continue to benefit our sector for years to come and his loss will be felt heavily by friends, colleagues, and associates both locally and overseas.
David enjoyed a lifetime in aviation, commencing with Hawker de Havilland as a cadet in the early 1960s. He later served many years as a board member at Hawker Pacific before taking up the role of CEO at the Australian Business Aviation Association. He was a lively contributor to the General Aviation Advisory Network, The Australian Aviation Association’s Forum and the International Business Aviation Council and forged enduring connections across the wider aviation community.
In recognition of his service to aviation, David was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2017.
David was a true gentleman of the industry and so many of us were touched by his kindness, intelligence and sense of humour. Over the weeks to come, I will work with the Executive Committee to determine the most appropriate way for the association to honour David’s legacy.
Should you wish to express your condolences individually, please do so via Nick Jones who is in contact with David’s wife Lynne.