David Leon Boots 

September 20, 1949 — September 13, 2024

DAVID Boots, of Wallaroo, was a passionate supporter of mental health and a strong advocate for the LGBTQI+ community. 

He passed away at Star of the Sea nursing home at Wallaroo following a long battle with brain cancer, in September, and was farewelled in a memorial service at Wallaroo Community Sports Club on October 19. 

Born David Leon Mackie in Launceston, Tasmania, his surname changed when his mother Hazel remarried and her husband Allan adopted David — from that point on he was known as David Leon Boots. 

David had a difficult upbringing, chronically unwell with repeated bouts of pneumonia, so in 1954 the family decided to relocate to Adelaide for a warmer climate. 

During his childhood, David was also exposed to domestic and family violence, which is what led him to his career and volunteering choices. 

He proceeded to make it his duty to support people who were troubled, using his kind, caring and unjudgmental qualities to help them. 

His stepfather Allan died by suicide, which obviously had an effect on David. 

For him to then be able to give hope and aspiration to others is truly amazing. 

David was a teacher for many years and held leadership roles at school, district and state levels, with his students including Neighbours star Annie Jones. 

He built his dream home in Wallaroo in 2010; it was designed to support his love of entertaining and theatre, and David proceeded to make his mark in his new community. 

His passionate nature radiated as a volunteer extraordinaire — he was the founding chair of Stamp Out Suicide Copper Coast and the Copper Coast Gay Straight Alliance, a Lifeline ambassador, and a member of the SA Government’s Suicide Prevention Council. 

David also volunteered with the Wallaroo Community Develop ment Association, the local ambulance committee, community sports club and sailing club. 

He received the Premier’s Certificate for Outstanding Volunteer Services in 2019. 

David was very close to his mum, who sadly passed away in 2010. 

He had a normal love/hate relationship with his sister Karen and, without children of his own, a close bond with his niece Kirsty, nephew Jarrod, as well as his great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. 

David also shared a special friendship with his lifelong friend Sue, and Wallaroo friends Pam, Jeff, Gerry, Enid and Jacqui. 

David’s family