A tribute to David Mayne spirited adventurer and man of wisdom

Tasmania, Australia:   He liked nothing more than to wet a line with his two sons, and if anyone could put Life into Lifestyle, it was David Mayne.

Whether it be swimming, Go Karting or underwater Hockey, David would give anything a go and always with a smile on his face.

David called a spade a spade and his jovial, down-to-earth personality was a true asset.  His favourite saying was ‘it is what it is’, meaning that you could take something at face value.

A devoted father, dedicated businessman and keen fisherman, David Mayne of Maynes Marine in Tasmania lost his battle with cancer on the 20th February 2011.

David left behind his wife Cathy and two sons, Josh and Alex.

As a long term Riviera dealer, David made a phone call from his hospital bed asking Riviera’s Director of Brand and Communications Stephen Milne to put a short article in Riviera’s online magazine thanking everyone at Riviera for their support over the years at Maynes Marine.  He also wished to express his gratitude to those he had worked with and served over the past 20 years.

David dedicated his life to the marine industry, working in the family business Mayne Marine for more than 20 years.

As Tasmania’s oldest and largest boat dealer, Maynes Marine is committed to Putting Life Into Lifestyle and David took this motto on board with everything he did.

Maynes Marine was established in 1933 offering engine services and by 1967, the family owned and operated business had opened a small section for outboards.  As the pleasure boat industry began to grow, so too did Maynes Marine with David’s father Neil, focusing on the business of boating.

As Tasmania’s exclusive Riviera dealer since the 1990s, Maynes Marine has grown over the years to become one of the most established and respected names in the State.

Director of Maynes Marine and friend, Reg Turner said he had learnt a lot from David.

“I came to work for David in 2005 and having been in the boat industry since 1988 I thought I knew everything about boats but I can honestly say that I have learnt more in the past five or so years with David than I did previously,” Reg said.

“David used to ride a Harley Davidson and on the weekends he would throw his swag and fishing rod on the front and one of his kids on the back and go off to the Lakes, come hell or snow or high water, he would go.”

As a dedicated community volunteer, David established a network for inmates at the local prison to help them gain skills and fit back into society when they were released from prison and hopefully prevent them from re-offending.

David’s final adventure would have been a cross Tasmania hike which he completed just after the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show last year.

“He did the Overland Track from Cradle Mountain in the north to Lake St Clair in the south, which was mountainous territory.  He prepared himself months in advance and he did the trek in winter through blizzards and snow storms,” Reg said.

Riviera’s Distribution Manager Peter Welch said David was well respected within the marine industry and particularly with fellow Riviera dealers in this region.

“I always had a lot of time for David.  He was generous and would go out of his way to help others,” Peter said.

“David developed the Riviera brand over a 20 year period in Tasmania and I feel that without his boating experience and knowledge of the product and boats, we wouldn’t be in the position we are today in Tasmania. 

R Marine Jacksons Victoria dealer principal Stuart Jackson said David was one of the most genuine people he had ever met.

“David had the experience and the knowledge.  He was a first class bloke,” Stuart said.

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