I extend my condolences to Maxine and all of David's family. I worked closely with David in the NZ Customs Service for many years, firstly in senior admin/corporate services/enforcement positions and then as Comptroller (from 1991 to 1999). I relied heavily on his legal advice and opinions. During that time and up to 1994 when a new Customs Act was passed the Customs Department (as it was then) was being pushed to make big changes, but with a Customs law that was passed in 1966 and based very much on the previous law passed in 1913. I frequently sought David's advice on how to make the old law work with new expectations. I found him to be both forthright and a man of integrity. There were occasions when we were able to find a way to make the law work for us, but many when I had to accept David's opinion that it was not possible and for good legal reasons. Fortunately, with David's help we were able to rectify many of those situations in the new law being written at the time. As the senior legal adviser David served the Customs Service extremely well and was highly respected by me and my senior management team for his understanding of the law and his ability to state his opinion and explain it convincingly. I regret that I was unable to attend the celebration of his life.

We extend our condolences to Maxine and the family. We're sorry we are unable to attend the funeral. We remember David as a warm and gracious man who was always interested in other people. Hugely intelligent but also humble, he was a great community man and we have fond memories of our times with him at Knox. He also had a great sense of humour and was fun to be around. His positive outlook on life was amazing and he was always so encouraging of other people's endeavours. We know that he is now in a better place and he leaves a great legacy though his family and our memories of him. Rachel and Steve Tallon, Beryl Anderson.

Dave and I (Michael) were both Hawkes Bay born and bred. The Ryans were close friends of my cousins the Briascos. Dave flatted with John Briasco in Wellington and it was through him and also the Baptist Hostel and St John's church that we connected. Dave always had a wonderful sense of humour and an agile mind with a strong interest in public issues. This served him well in the world of the Public Service where he excelled as a legal services officer and manager. When we were raising families Debbie, Maxine Dave and I would meet up from time to time for family dinners. As life progressed our lives drifted apart with Dave and Maxine being Hutt community people while Debbie and I were centred in Johnsonville. We know that the last few years have been challenging for Dave and his health and so it is timely that he is now beyond pain. Dave and Maxine created a wonderful family together and the legacy of Dave will live on in the endeavours and contributions of their children and grandchildren. Jonno, Jennifer and Joanne are helping made the world a better place in honour of their Dad. We're sorry we will miss the formal celebration of Dave's life as we have another commitment to attend to but Dave and the Ryan whānau will be very much in our thoughts.