Taxi driver who drowned in Long Bay remembered as a ‘friend to everybody’

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By Charminae George

[email protected]

“He was an excellent ambassador.” Those were the words of Henley Daniel, President of the United Taxi Association, regarding the stellar performance of Dave Malcolm Nelson, a man he described as a great asset to the tourism industry.

On April 15, Nelson’s family and friends received the news of the 76-year old’s drowning at Long Bay at around 10am on Saturday.

The Pares village taxi driver encountered difficulty while bathing and called out for help, to which a nearby sea bather answered and subsequently pulled him ashore. However, attempts by EMS to resuscitate him at the scene were unsuccessful, police said.

“Every day he made sure to go to the beach and exercise. That was his first appointment,” said Ian Joseph, immediate past president of the United Taxi Association, highlighting Nelson’s dedication to his routine.

Both Daniel and Joseph recounted their pleasure of knowing Nelson for a number of years. Daniel said he had known Nelson for most of his life, and Joseph knew him for more than 25 years.

Nelson was well respected and approachable, both men affirmed.

“He was a friend to everybody,” Joseph said.

Nelson’s work ethic was recalled by Daniel who said, “He performed his duty carefully and was never found in no discrepancies around the airport.”

For 43 years, Nelson displayed a high level of performance which was officially honoured by the association alongside other long-serving members at an award ceremony in June 2022.

Nelson valued knowledge and, as a result, was a voracious reader.

“He read a lot. He was always reading,” said Daniel. 

Though soft-spoken, Nelson was always glad to share his extensive knowledge. Both men mentioned that they would often seek his advice, including on matters related to the association.

“He always had a lot of knowledge to share,” Joseph attested.

Another passion of Nelson’s was sports, and physical fitness was of utmost importance to him. He played tennis, and his tennis playing was praised by Daniel as one of high calibre. Warri, a noted game of the mind, was another favourite of his.

Joseph declared that the beloved taxi driver will be greatly missed, and extended condolences to Nelson’s family.

Daniel echoed this sentiment.

“I think we can learn something from him. We must be calm and collective and think a lot. That’s the person he was,” Daniel added.

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