Veteran travel industry public relations consultant David Ellis passed away in his sleep at his Southern Highlands home at Burradoo last Friday evening.
David Ellis was a former journalist who joined the ABC in 1959 to begin a 20-year career as a reporter, correspondent in Papua New Guinea for several years and editorial executive before establishing David Ellis Associates in 1979.
He represented numerous overseas and local travel groups until his semi-retirement in 2012 when he continued his old craft as a freelance travel and wine writer for a variety of newspapers and magazines across Australia.
For many years he looked after the media interests of groups such as the Tahiti Tourism Board, Anaheim Visitors Bureau, Finnair, Berlin Convention Centre, Vanuatu Tourism and a variety of Aussie agencies; and at his passing was keeping his hand in as PR for the luxurious Sea Dream Yacht Club.
Ellis was 79. He leaves his wife of 55 years, Gwenda, a son Bradley (deceased 2011), Steven, a noted archaeologist in the U.S., daughter Kimberley and eight grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced shortly for Thursday 14 March, 3.00pm at South Chapel, Woronora Cemetery and Crematorium, Sutherland.
