Brisbane community pays tribute to young father David Orange

Australian batsman Chris Lynn is leading a multitude of mourners reeling from the sudden death of a young father and talented cricketer who had only months ago welcomed his first child.

Dave and Kerry Orange with their daughter. Picture – Facebook.

Australian cricketer Christopher Lynn has paid tribute to a popular Brisbane cricketer whose shock death has rocked the sporting community.

New dad David Orange died Wednesday, August 9, reportedly from an unconfirmed medical event. His shaken family awaits confirmation of exactly what happened.

The young Hendra father, who welcomed daughter Eylea with wife Kerry in December, has been remembered as a “great loyal friend” and an “amazing family man”.

Among the mourners was Australian batsman Chris Lynn who shared touching lines on social media.

“One of the best you will ever meet,” he said.

“Love you brother.”

Dave and Kerry Orange. Picture – Facebook.

Mr Orange, affectionately known by his friends and family as ‘Mango’, grew up in Toowoomba where he laid the foundations for a successful club cricket career.

He went to Toowoomba State School and played A-grade cricket for South Brisbane District Cricket Club for four years – which was how he met his best mate Mitch Connell, 36, of Brisbane.

He had been involved in the club ever since, in some way or another.

Mr Orange was also a successful entrepreneur. He had just sold a business called Glow Worm Lighting and was running another business called Orange Electrical.

He and his wife Kerry Orange had been living in Hendra for the past five years.

Dave and Kerry Orange on their wedding day. Picture – Facebook.

A GoFundMe, launched by Mr Connell, has already raised more than $75,000 – with family and friends saying there had been an outpouring of love and support.

“We believe Dave was the best of us,” Mr Connell said.

“He was an aspiring entrepreneur, avid sportsman, great loyal friend, and an amazing family man.

“He will be sorely missed by many, many people.

“We are trying to raise funds to help support his family in this difficult time and plan for their future without Dave.”

Dave and Kerry Orange with their daughter. Picture – Facebook.

“He was a cheeky larrikin,” Mr Connell said.

“He was incredibly honourable, trustworthy and loyal.

“He was also a great boxer and well-known around many Toowoomba and Brisbane boxing clubs.

“He ran a bar in New Farm called Dalgety for a bit … he did a bit of everything and was just so much fun to be around.

“I used to call him ‘shiny teeth’. He was also known for his great sense of humour and positivity.”

Dave and Kerry Orange with their daughter. Picture – Facebook.

He’d been with his wife Kerry, 33, of Brisbane, for the past seven years — married for three.

“They had just started telling us they wanting another baby,” Mr Connell said.

“Kerry is just so heartbroken and devastated. They were the perfect couple and were incredibly happy.

“They had their entire life ahead of them and were loving being new parents and a little family.

“He was a very doting and loving dad and she was such a daddy’s girl … he was very fun and patient with her.

“It’s just not fair and so sad for those two to be left on their own … it feels so cruel.”

Dave Orange with his daughter. Picture – Facebook.

Although baby Eylea will never remember meeting her father, Mr Connell said they planned to ensure his legacy lives on.

“All of his best mates and I are planning on creating 52 videos of us talking about and sharing stories about her dad,” he said.

“We want to present these to her on her eighteenth birthday, one to watch every week, so she knows the kind of man her father was.”

His sister, Madeline Bertram, said his friends and family also were broken-hearted.

“He was so positive and had such an infectious smile,” she said.

“He is so truly loved by his family and friends.

“We ask you to keep us in your thoughts and prayers throughout this time. We are completely shattered.

“May you fly high Dave.”

Ms Bertram also announced the details of his ‘celebration of life’.

“It’s time to dust off the dancing shoes, grab a flamboyant matching outfit and those fresh white Havaianas – in true Dave style,” she said.

Dave and Kerry Orange. Picture – Facebook.

“Dave had a real zest for life, a larger than life personality — constantly paired with a massive smile. It makes sense to us to celebrate the amazing 38 years of Dave’s life and the joy we shared with him while he was with us.

“We ask you to join us at Albany Creek Memorial Park at 11am on the August 22, 2023, to celebrate the amazing man Dave is. We request that everyone wears ‘Dave like attire’ on the day and ask that you refrain from wearing black or dark colours.

“Following the service, you are welcome to join family and friends at Byblos, Portside Wharf, for nibbles, drinks and story sharing.

“Let’s give Dave the most incredible send off, one that he truly deserves. This is an open invitation to anyone that knows or feels a connection to Dave. Please feel free to come along.”

You can support Mr Orange’s wife and baby daughter here.