Hundreds gather in Darwin and Brisbane to mourn Territory hospitality legend Dave Cannon

Darwin hospitality icon Dave Cannon has been remembered as a man fiercely loyal to his family, a ‘giant teddy bear’ and a friend with a big heart. Leave your tribute in the comments section

Territory hospitality legend Dave Cannon was remembered as a family man who had “big plans for his three girls”

HUNDREDS turned out in two cities to remember Darwin food and hospitality icon Dave Cannon, who died last week.

The service, held in Brisbane and live-streamed to hundreds in Darwin, remembered a beloved son, father, brother and mate whose friendliness and charm were only equalled by his kind-heart and loyalty.

Standing beside a white covered table adorned with a remembrance candle, a baseball cap and a bottle of Bundaberg Rum, speakers delivered a celebration and chronology of Dave’s life.

Dave’s mother Ros reflected on his childhood, school mates critiqued his sporting exploits including his love for league and surf boats and brothers Duncan and Byron spoke of his nurturing and mentoring role in their younger years.

Brother Byron praised his elder brother’s “ticker”.

“People don’t remember how much money you have or what car you drive,” he said.

“They remember how you treated them and how you made them feel.”

And beyond everything else, he was remembered as a family man.

“He was a protector of his family and one of God’s great dreamers,” Byron said.

“He dreamt so much for his family and had big plans for the three girls.”

Dave moved from Brisbane to Darwin in 2005 to manage Char Restaurant. He later moved to the Top End Hotel before taking over management of The Cav. He returned to Queensland after being diagnosed last year with Stage 4 melanoma.

Dave’s wife Brigette told mourners they met 20 years and one day ago.

“He was the ‘gentlest teddy bear’,” she said.

“He was the best dad and his world revolved around the girls. There are so many reasons Dave and I had a deeper love. I will forever carry him in my heart well beyond our vows.”

Dave’s loyalty was a trademark.

“Dave found a connection with anyone no matter what side of the road,” Brigette said.

“He was the most loyal friend in your corner or your footy team.

“This send-off is a time to remember what he meant to all of us and we’re happy to share him with you. Dave is now where the bar is already open and they only serve premium cuts of steak. He’s probably already taken over the kitchen in heaven.”

Hundreds of Territorians watched the service live-stream at Darwin Turf Club, where last year the Territory rallied behind our favorite publican and raised $120,000 after the cancer diagnosis.

The service finished with a reflection video narrated by Dave’s friend and former Nine News Darwin anchor Jonathan Uptin.

Darwin mourners gathered at The Cav after the service, where the team he took with him to Char in 2005 still work.

Dave Cannon is being remembered as a legend of the hospitality industry.

Dave made his mark on the restaurant industry in town, as the owner of numerous pubs and eateries, including Char Restaurant, the revised Mulligan’s Restaurant at Darwin Golf Club, the Cavenagh Hotel and Cannon’s Kitchen.

He then moved into catering for mining companies, running a fly-in, fly-out service.

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said the hospitality industry was mourning a family member.

“Canno was a much loved long-term member of the Territory’s hospitality family and will be sorely missed,” he said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Brigette, their two daughters, family and friends who are today all feeling the heavy loss.”

A post on the Hospitality NT Facebook described Dave as “one of the greats”.

“Many in our industry will savour wonderful memories of Dave – he was the life of the party and incredibly generous, a true publican and all around top bloke.”

Noonamah Tavern also shared their sadness at the news of the passing of “a great man with a big heart”.

“Dave ran the Noonamah Tavern Restaurant successfully for a number of years — he was a true gentleman and will be sorely missed,” they wrote.

Former chief minister Michael Gunner summed up the impact Mr Cannon had in just a few words.

“Very sad news. Wonderful gentleman. Superb host. Always friendly. Good businessman. Top bloke,” he said.

Mr Cannon attended St Brendan’s College in Yeppoon QLD where it is understood he was a handy rugby league player.

“Doogie was a well-loved member of the St Brendan’s community and is remembered fondly as Manager of the all-conquering 1st XIII in 1987 — The 1987 group are quite tight-knit and will be saddened at the loss of their great friend,” St Brendan’s Yeppoon Old Boys Foundation posted on Facebook.

Darwin local and friend Geoff Cussen also shared his memories with Dave on social media.

“Rest In Peace Dave Canno — One of the world’s great gentlemen.

“It’s been an honour to share some great moments with you and you will be sorely missed,” he said.