Former Launceston Chamber of Commerce executive officer David Peach has been remembered for his tireless work, kindness, community spirit and dry sense of humour.
Mr Peach, 59, passed away on Saturday, November 13, surrounded by his family and loved ones after a brief battle with an aggressive and inoperable cancer.
Originally from NSW, Mr Peach moved to Launceston in 2020 and served the chamber for 15 months until his resignation last month following his diagnosis.
LCC president Andrew Pitt remembered Mr Peach fondly as a colleague and a friend, and said his time had been too short.
"In a short time he really did embed himself very deeply in the business community, but also the broader community," he said.
"He was genuinely a very likeable guy with a strong community ethic."
Born in Sydney, the father of two and husband to wife Victoria built a 25-year career across business, consulting, IT and community service.
As a young man, Mr Peach attended St. Leo's College at Wahroonga before completing a bachelor's degree in business at Sydney's University of Technology, graduating in 1986.
LCC acting executive officer Will Cassidy remembered Mr Peach as an inspirational mentor who would be greatly missed.
"The outpouring of disbelief and shock and sorrow truly attested to his time with the chamber," he said.
"His time with us was valuable and his legacy will carry on."
Fellow New South Welshman and long-time friend Ben Hughes described Mr Peach as a generous and beautiful soul, for who service to others was a calling.
"He was generous, so generous, kind, funny with a wonderfully dry sense of humour and he would go out of his way to do anything for anybody," he said.
Mr Hughes who attended the same Men's Table support group as Mr Peach said even after receiving his diagnosis he kept his sense of humour.
"Grace, strength and humour is how I would sum him up," he said
Following his passing, tributes and condolences for Mr Peach and his family have flowed from businesses, organisations and politicians on both sides of the aisle.
Northern Tasmania Development Corporation chief executive Mark Baker said Mr Peach contributed a great deal to Launceston in his relatively short time in the region.
"NTDC and the chamber worked together on a number of public events and forums that aimed to improve, challenge and educate the region and David was key to making those things happen," he said.
"David was a natural collaborator who brought a positive attitude to working together for the greater good of the city and region.
"We were all so impressed by how quickly he embedded himself in the business and wider community and contributed to his newfound home."
Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said Mr Peach had displayed exemplary leadership at the helm of the LCC during a particularly difficult time.
"David was very well respected by the broader business community in Northern Tasmania, including many people across council," he said.
Premier Peter Gutwein said Mr Peach's love for his adopted state had been evident in the passion with which he advocated for the local community.
"In his short time here he made a significant and positive impact for Launceston, and I know he will be missed by many in the local community who saw first-hand the passion and enthusiasm he brought to making their lives better," he said.
"On behalf of the Tasmanian government, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of David Peach."
Bass Liberal MHR Bridget Archer said Mr Peach had left a mark on all who were privileged enough to get to know and work with him over the past year.
"He embraced not only our business community, but the community as a whole from the moment he arrived with his warmth and his passion for our region, immersing himself as a true local," she said.
Labor leader Rebecca said as a man of passion, integrity and humility who strived to improve the lives of others around him, Mr Peach would be greatly missed.
Mr Hughes who is also the co-founder of the Men's Table, a support group Mr Peach attended and advocated for said a fund had been started in his honour to help more men in North-West Tasmania find support.
He said a celebration of Mr Peach's life was also planned for Sunday, November 28 at The First Basin, and said all were welcome.
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Andrew Chounding
An experienced multi-platform journalist focusing on the issues that impact health in Tasmania. With a background in social research and public policy, health reporting for Andrew is about ensuring the best health outcomes for the Northern Tasmanian community. Contact Andrew at: andrew.chounding@examiner.com.au or 0437 358 262
An experienced multi-platform journalist focusing on the issues that impact health in Tasmania. With a background in social research and public policy, health reporting for Andrew is about ensuring the best health outcomes for the Northern Tasmanian community. Contact Andrew at: andrew.chounding@examiner.com.au or 0437 358 262
