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David "Daisy" LEAN

FUNERAL HOME

Eagars Funeral Services (New Plymouth Home)

172- 174 Lemon Street

New Plymouth, Taranaki

David LEAN Obituary

On Saturday 7 June 2025, David passed surrounded by his loving family to endless sunsets with his feet in the sand. Treasured husband and best friend of Janet. Loving Dad of Kirsten and Murray, Brooke and Mark, Greer and Matty, and Kent. Cherished Daydais of Lucia, Daisy, Jude, Jed, India, Rudi, and Mads. Much-loved uncle and brother-in-law of the Perrin family. Messages to Daisy's family may be left on his tribute page at eagars.co.nz/daisy. A service to celebrate Daisy's life will be held at Butler's Reef, 1133 South Road, Oakura, on Thursday 12 June 2025 at 1.00pm. For those unable to attend, Daisy's service will be livestreamed to his tribute page.


Published by Taranaki Daily News on Jun. 9, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for David LEAN

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65 Entries

Phil and Kim Quinney

June 15, 2025

Incredibly sad news, the loss of a truly inspirational leader.My thoughts with Janet and family, your unwavering support of Daisy and incredible job you did as Mayoress with a young family was extraordinary. Daisy your ability to get enough support for the carousel plant changed this city for ever and was the beginning of an incredible period of progress to what we enjoy today. Too many achievements to mention, just a massive thank you for your vision and unparalleled ability to get stuff done. You leave a massive legacy and I´m forever grateful to have known you as a Mentor and Mate,
Phil and Kim Quinney

Roger witts

June 14, 2025

Deepest condolences to David's family and friends used to see him in his wheelchair outside waiting for his ride always had a chat with me really nice guy will be sadly missed

Pete Cowley

June 14, 2025

RIP Daisy, Condolences to Janet and Families. A great Man with Vision and in making a call. Spent time with Daisy at NPOB Rugby Club - Pickwick Bar ( Past President ) White White White and NPOB Surf Club. Proud to have been part of his Team delivering Flyers when he stood for Mayor. New Plymouth is a much better City from your contribution.

Shirley Stephens

June 13, 2025

The CT Scanner appeal!!! you were Chairman and I was dept chair appointed by the Taranaki Hospital Board. What a whirlwind fundraiser!!! You inspired everyone and we raised $500.000 what an experience to work with you....Sincere sympathy to your family Ake Ake Kia kaha Shirley Stephens Cambridge

Karen Smart

June 13, 2025

My thoughts are with the family. David was such a wonderful man, many many years ago he taught me to swim as part of his work with the crippled children society. He was very enthusiastic and encouraging.

Roger Malthus

June 13, 2025

Sincere condolences to Janet and family.
I have fond memories of fund-raising days for NP Pool and Stadium and the fantastic contribution Daisy made when creating public awareness while completing the rubber ducky marathon circumnavigating New Zealand. He was an inspiration to us all.

Jennifer Thomson

June 12, 2025

Daisy was Mayor of New Plymouth when I was Promotions Director for Classic Hits 90FM/News talk ZB. I observed his compassion, his leadership, his passion for his city and region and his connection to so many people. He always had a finger in so many pies and whenever the radio announcers and myself were out in the community , whether it was in the form of fundraising or promoting an event, Daisy was there too. He was amazing. Daisy has left many legacies in our region and our city. Thank you David "Daisy" Lean.

Alan and Jean Reed

June 12, 2025

To Janet and family
What a great guy always positive , funny and totally dedicated to NP and Taranaki.

Jay, Mon & Rocky

June 12, 2025

Love being his home caretaker.
Rocky loved running up to Daisy and he would let him stand up and lick his face.
A lovely man who did a lot for this town and the surf community. Love and regards to Janet who is an amazing lady. Rest In Peace you Legend!

Teresa Richards

June 12, 2025

So sorry to hear of David´s passing, our condolences go out to Janet and family.
Teresa and Brian Richards

Kathryn (Juppy) & Chris Sole

June 12, 2025

Janet, our thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.

Keith & Karena Mawson

June 12, 2025

What an inspirational leader, mentor, husband, father & grandfather. Daisy you packed so much into your life and certainly left your mark for future generations. Condolences to Janet and your family. Keith & Karena Mawson

Bryce Hollands

June 12, 2025

To Janet, and family thoughts with you. Thanks for all the work you did as Field Officer in Crippled Children and what you did for my sister Michelle.

Brian Lawlor

June 12, 2025

To Janet and family, so sorry to learn of your loss. David will be remembered for his countless achievement as Mayor of New Plymouth and local body politics will probably never again witness a leader who achieved so much. But he was more than that and his greatest achievement will always be you, his family. Brian and Jen Lawlor Gold Coast.

Marie Wellington

June 12, 2025

Sincere Sympathy to you Janet, and all the family.
I have fond memories of Daisy as the inspirational leader of "The Last Great NZ Challenge" that I was privileged to be a part of.
R.I.P. Daisy

Brent Cawthray

June 12, 2025

Thinking of you Janet and family. A New Plymouth icon but more importantly a top man. Ginge Cawthray

Denise and Tom Loveridge

June 12, 2025

Dear Janet and family, Having been on the NPDC during the time that David was mayor meant we spent time at counsel meetings. I also spent time during Civil Defence Emergencies. People always used to smile as we used to give each other a hug and say "hi Cuz" as David and I were related. His grandmother and my grandfather were siblings. I havnt seen David for some time, but know he was still involved with TRC. He has left a huge legacy behind him, not only with his political involvement but for his family whom he was so devoted to. Thank you Janet for sharing him. May he now rest in peace now.

Robert Angus

June 12, 2025

I went through school with Daisy and always admired his leadership and enduring ambition to succeed in all walks of life. Janet and family our condolences. Robert Angus

Mary Hildred

June 12, 2025

Our condolences to your whanau David, thank you for your aroha with our daughter during her time at Auckland hospital, also your aroha during the passing of my late husband, RIP David you will always be remembered.

Brian Herlihy

June 12, 2025

Dear Janet and family, Kate and I are so saddened to learn of Daisy's passing. He was a loyal and supportive mate. Our memories of who he was and what he achieved will sustain us now and in the future. He gave so much to New Plymouth and Taranaki District and I was so privileged to receive his invite to join the "Last Great New Zealand Challenge " the legacy to which remains with the Stadium and Covered Pool we raised funds for.
Our thoughts are with you, your extended family all of Daisy's friends.
Love Kate and Ernie (Melbourne.)

Paul Lamb

June 11, 2025

A life of service and very well lived. Someone who took an interest in those and things about him.
Our sincere sympathies to Janet and family upon this sad news.
Kind regards
Julianne and Paul Lamb

Ross and Trish Byers

June 11, 2025

Dear Janet and family, sending our condolences to you at this sad time of David's passing. You must be so proud of David and his many achievements. As a community we have been very lucky to have benefited from his forward thinking vision. Thank you David.
Ross and Trish Byers

Lois Lovegrove

June 11, 2025

To Janet and family, so sorry for your loss.
Daisy was a good friend to me over the years.
He was certainly a good bloke and always had a laugh with him

Annette Corbett

June 11, 2025

Dear Janet & Family, deeply saddened to learn of Daisy's passing, treasure your memories, he will be having a great reunion up in the stars that bar leaner is getting rather full!!
RIP Daisy
Annette, Ang, Matt Corbett

Rodney Finch

June 11, 2025

Very sad to read of Daisy's passing. I was fortunate to meet up with him several times during my visit home to N.Z. in March. Sincerest condolences to Janet and family. R.I.P. DAISY.

Rod Finch, B.C. Canada

Meredith

June 11, 2025

Dearest Janet, Greer and family, thinking of you all at this time. Sending love and hugs Meredith, lloyd Garrick

Denis Sole

June 11, 2025

Many fond memories of Daisy .Firstly a competative rugby player secondly a great Mayor and thirdly always had time for banter! at the Nag R I P David Denis Sole

Steve & Karalyn Chapman

June 11, 2025

Dear Janet,Greer & Family,we were so sorry to hear of David's passing. Treasure the memories. Our sincere sympathy. Karalyn and Steve xx

kevin Gledhill

June 10, 2025

The Mayor who made New Plymouth the place it is today. A future-focused person who set the benchmark for community service. Daisy was a key component of many fund raising ventures that benefitted our region and a fine person with a sharp awareness of what infrastructure is needed to grow a city. He was an " in it for Life" surf-lifesaving advocate who gave so much to the sport... as a coach / administrator ... Your community service was unparalleled I have many fond memories of Daisy and am thinking of You, Janet and family at this time. Kind regards. Kevin and June Gledhill

Wellington Weblings

June 10, 2025

So sorry to hear of your loss Greer and family. Thoughts are with you, your family and the grandkids x

Chrissy and Garry Hopkinson, Olivia (nee King), Anthea (nee King)

June 10, 2025

Fond memories of your hubby Janet and Dad kids.
Forever grateful for the opportunity to work for you and with you at Flicks for many years, helping to build the establishment and serving the patrons. Our girls first job in the kitchen as young teenagers. Whenever the name Daisy comes up, it always produces a smile. A smile for the hilarious nut you were, a smile of pride for all your achievements and today, although the smile is half mast, it is still an admirable smile for the memories you leave with us. Thank you Daisy.

Trev Smith

June 10, 2025

To Janet and family. Great support for all Sports including Rugby & Cricket. A good bugga, Rip Daisy. Trev Smith

Erica Pearson (Clouston)

June 10, 2025

Dear Janet, so very sorry to hear that Daisy has passed away. Love and best wishes to you and your family.

Robbie ( spud) Peel & Joy

June 10, 2025

Sad day for our Astute friend Was a real leader in all his ventures great rugby player we had lots of great games and rugby trips condolences Janet and family Old
Boys Forever Daisy. Spud

Carolyn Miles

June 10, 2025

Dear Janet sending condolences in the passing of your best mate who gave so much to others.

Bill Sampson

June 10, 2025

Sorry to hear of your loss Janet. Thinking of you at this sad time.

Jon Taylor

June 10, 2025

Condolences to Janet and the Lean Family at this sad time.
Thinking of you all.
Jon Taylor & Family

Gordon Giddy

June 10, 2025

Fond memories of Sunday afternoons at Flicks bar righting the world.
Condolences Janet and family.

Colleen Riddock

June 10, 2025

Dear Janet and family. Our sincere condolences. Thinking of you all Sincerely Colleen and Alex Riddock

Mike. Davey

June 10, 2025

To. Janet and family our thoughts are with you all
Mike. Davey

Tom and Linda Cloke

June 10, 2025

Janet and family our sincere condolences, what can ones says at this time. Daisy was a man of stature, I was fortunate to take him to the last Regional Council meeting, we always had great chats, his wisdom will be missed. Remember years back when this blonde young man, along with his Surf Club mates would come up to Butlers Reef, for a few drinks.
RIP Old Mate

Harvey Dunlop

June 9, 2025

Condolences to Janet and family. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. RIP Daisy. Harvey & Kaye Dunlop

Dianne Stone

June 9, 2025

Our sincere condolences to Janet and the family sending lots of love to you all RIP Daisy
Dianne and Kevin Stone

Craig Williamson

June 9, 2025

Friend, ally, mentor. And we certainly won a few battles along the way. I will miss our banter, your sharp witt and all the jokes, you were like a brother to me, RIP my old mate

Moiz Armstrong

June 9, 2025

Dear Janet & Family, thinking of you all at this very sad time. Memories are so very special. Hold on to them all at this time. Big hugs. Moiz Armstrong

Max Brough

June 9, 2025

My thoughts have been with Daisy these past 2 days since his passing.
I was summonsed to meet his worship a few days ago and was reminded of his passion for New Plymouth.
He has been very instrumental in mentoring and guiding my thoughts for the future and I will always remember his character and integrity with pride.
He left an indelible mark upon me for which I thank him
All the best from the Brough and Dannefaerd Clans

Bruce Richards

June 9, 2025

Janet and the Lean family, I was sorry to hear of Daisy´s passing. I first met Daisy many years ago when he was Mayor and I unexpectedly received an invitation to the opening of the new sewerage plant ,which I had supported. I then spent many years with him as a co- director of the TSB Bank. I always had a great respect for your commitment to the Council and to the people of New Plymouth . Condolences to you Janet and the family. Bruce Richards.

Rae Mills

June 9, 2025

Thanks for those great five years 1981.... when we lived in New Plymouth during those "Think Big" days. Your support for new ideas was very well received by all.
Rae Mills

Jan MacDonald (Mason)

June 9, 2025

David had left a remarkable foot print on New Plymouth, one that will be hard to surpass. I remember with a hearty laugh the 'gift' he gave to Brian at his 40th. A life well lived and loved.

Kim Ronaldson (nee Marsh)

June 9, 2025

David would always take time to talk to my parents whenever they met. I have fond memories of him during his time as mayor.
My deepest condolences to his family at this time.

JOHN " Horse" MCLEOD

June 9, 2025

Been a great knowing & working with you Daisy mate. We didn't always agree on matters ( but mostly so), but that said, in the aftermath we would both sit there & have a beer or three & a laugh. You were one true stalwart both for our Province & District, & always applied a good dose of common sense reasoning on community matters.Today, on such matters, your physical presence will be sadly missed by many, but your legacy will live on my friend. My condolences to Janet & family at this sad time, much aroha to you all. Rest in peace David. Horse

Terry parkes

June 9, 2025

Rest well David. You deserve it. Thanks for all the encouragements condolences Leans xx

Patricia Veronese

June 9, 2025

David "Daisy" your battle is over. Well remember the good times, love and laughter. What a legacy you have left behind. Who is going to send me updates/photos of our
shared grandkids Lucia and Jude now. It's been a great pleasure to know you.
All our love to Janet and family.
Claudio and Trish Veronese

Danielle Manu

June 9, 2025

Arohanui Mr David Lean. I still remember Kirsten and Brooke when they lived next door to my Nana and Ko-ko on Lorna St, Motorua. In admiration and memory of you!

Karen & Russell Ries

June 9, 2025

Sorry to hear of Daisy´s passing. Our thoughts are with all the family at this sad time.
From the Ries Family.

Vaughan & Jillian Pillette-Hughes

June 9, 2025

Janet and family, sad to hear of Daisy's swim to the sky... Remember all the good times..thinking if you all

Nicola Wills

June 9, 2025

David my friend your long battles are over for you
Time to rest up
I´ll have one for you
You were such a pleasure to nurse all these years buddy
My thoughts are with your family
RIP David regards Nicola

Roger Birch

June 9, 2025

RIP old mate. We suffered through school by being in the same class all the way. You will always shine your own path now and forever.

Barb Richards

June 9, 2025

Sadly, farewell Daisy. You will be well remembered and missed.
Condolences to you Janet and your lovely family.
Barb and Trev

Zeke Parker

June 9, 2025

Go well into the night mate. I will always treasure the time we spent living at the surf club. Best time of our lives. Your contribution to the club and to the city will be remembered. Zeke.

Pip Foley

June 9, 2025

Sad to hear of Daisy's passing. He was a kind, funny and generous man. Years ago he gave my son Karl a book and several pieces of original film celluloid which he had been given to commemorate the screening of the film Titanic at his movie theater in New Plymouth. We still have the treasured pieces and will always remember him for his sense of humour and generosity. Go well Daisy ...may your future be full of nothing but sun and surf.

Ray Payne

June 9, 2025

To Mrs Lean and family all my sincere condolences at this time on the passing of David 'Daisy' one of the first people I met when I moved here many many years ago now. Rest in peace Daisy.

Kay Stachurski

June 9, 2025

Condolences to you Janet and your family.
May past happy memories help you through this difficult time.
Kay Stachurski.

MARGARET GARRETT

June 9, 2025

Dear Janet, Kirsten, Brooke, Greer, and Kent i am so very shocked and saddened to read of David's death. I pass on my sincere sympathy to you all at this very sad time. i have known David since he was only about 8 years old because Carolyn his sister was one of my very best friends. Oh I am so very sad. He served New Plymouth for Mayor of New Plymouth for 4 terms. He was always such a very friendly outgoing person to me. I am so very glad his service is to be livestreamed i will look forward to watching it on Thursday definitely.

Margy Anderson

June 9, 2025

All my love and hugs to you Janet.
Such a sad loss
Margy Anderson

Showing 1 - 65 of 65 results

Memorial Events
for David LEAN

Jun

12

Service

1:00 p.m.

Butlers Reef

1133 South Road, Oakura, Northland

Funeral services provided by:

Eagars Funeral Services (New Plymouth Home)

172- 174 Lemon Street Strandon, New Plymouth 4312