In Loving Memory of David Jean-Baptiste Morel
David went home to be with the Lord on 14th of February 2026. He is survived by his daughter Rose-Marie, his son-in-law David, grandson's Matthew and Daniel, great grandchildren Evangaline and Carolina and many beloved family and friends. Funeral Service Video: Click Here Photos Tribute from the service: Click Here If you would like a copy of either or both videos, please contact us at: dmcrmc@davrom.com Eulogy for Papa. Written by his daughter - Rose-Marie Clark
Today we are here to celebrate and honour the life of my Papa. David Jean Baptiste Morel. Or ......as most of you knew him........Morel De Bourbon. Papa was born at Grand Anse, Praslin, Seychelles on the 18th of May 1931. A little power ball of fun and curiosity had entered the world. He loved to explore the beaches and mountains as a child much to the exasperation of my grandmother who at times couldn't find him. His father would make him a coffee everyday at 4 am and have a chat. Papa was so touched by this memory he told it to me countless times. As a school boy he was sent to Mahe, the main island of Seychelles, to complete his education. He stayed with Henri Barallon's family and did indeed feel at home there. He attended Louis College Seychelles where all his teachers liked him and found him to be intelligent, hardworking, eager to learn and improve himself. He was well behaved, polite and friendly. Talents and character traits that remained with him all through his working life as well. His favourite teacher was Mr Tingay from England, who also taught him how to play cricket and how to be a good boy scout. Both pastimes suited his fun and curious spirit. He had many school friends and later in life he would tell me this one has died and that one had died. "I am the last one left" he said.... Now they are in heaven, all playing cricket with Mr Tingay. Life was not always easy for papa. His parents were quite poor and at times this would cause papa shame - especially if he had to barter for food at the shop. Thank God the Seychelloise are generous people. It explains a lot to me about his food buying habits. The fridge and cupboard were always full at home. He never wanted to go hungry or feel ashamed again and he never wanted this for mummy and me. The good news he said was that you could always put something on the table in Seychelles. Things like Pwason Griye and rice. chicken curries, Bouyon Bred, Tec Tec, and Ladob. But sometimes it was just eggs and rice. Papa's parents were Edmea and Jean Baptiste Morel. He had a sister named Teresa who died at 12 years of age. She had a heart condition and her life had to be quiet and restful. Papa lamented that he could never play with her. His father, who was a policeman, was run over by a drunk driver. He was only 64 years of age. Papa was living in Australia at the time and found out by telegram that his father had died. Grandma only had money for a 3 word telegram. It read - Father dead. Mother....... I can't imagine the shock that papa felt. Grandma eventually came to Australia to live and died in 1984 at 80 years of age. She spoiled me and papa with her wonderful cooking and hugs that squeezed so tight with love. Papa arrived by ship to Australia on July 4th, 1951. The ship was called the SS Strathmore. Papa was 20 years old. He was wearing a safari outfit in freezing cold Fremantle, Sydney. Like most new Australian's papa hoped for a better way of life and more work opportunities. He always wanted to be an archaeologist - I can see him digging up sites and examining artefacts and other physical remains. He would have loved to be a detective of history. It would have really suited his detailed oriented and methodical personality. Nevertheless, practical as ever, he took the first job available as a clerk in an office. He started his job the day after he landed in Australia. He lived in a boarding house that a friend found for him and was very happy to have his breakfast and dinner supplied. His other jobs were as 1. a costing interpreter at Mary Kathleen Uranium, 2. an Accounts Supervisor and assistant manager at Swifts Australian Company Pty. Ltd. 3. An assistant at J.C. Hutton Pty. Ltd. It is in this company that papa progressed through the ranks as an accountant and then as an Internal Auditor for Australia and New Guinea. All throughout these years he did courses at the Australian Society of Accountants and the University of Queensland to improve his knowledge and to advance at Hutton. Later in years when Hutton closed he went on to be the senior accountant at Nashua North East, Melbourne. He was nothing if not adaptable. Papa married my mother Lucienne Morel (nee Morgan) on 3rd June 1961. I was born on July 27, 1962. Sadly my parents marriage didn't survive and they divorced in 1984. It was a very depressing time for all of us. After my marriage to David in March 1987 they became friends again, having lunch together every Sunday until papa moved back to Queensland. They visited each other until they were too sick to leave their beds. However they always asked about the other. As a father papa was loving, funny, strict, generous, grumpy and selfless. My first memories at about 3 years old included him feeding me strawberries from our backyard in 53 Vaughn Street Holland Park and laughing because I got them all over my face. I thought this was hysterical. His laugh always made me laugh. It made everyone laugh. Another time he took me for a "walk" to the shops to buy ice cream. Of course I took off running. He was calling me, "Rose-Marie" don't run .....you'll fall down. What happened???? ...... I fell down. Papa carried me to the shop while I was crying. The ice cream calmed me down. Ice cream still calms me down. All throughout my childhood he encouraged me and catered to my every need. He made my friends laugh with his jokes. Except one day when my friend Kathleen came over for dinner and he thought it would be a good time to tell her how pigs and cows were slaughtered. Both of us have blotted that memory out of our brains for eternity. He loved his grandchildren with a passion and just believed that there was nothing they couldn't do. He was so excited to be a great grandfather. Four generations all together. It was such a wonderful time. On Saturday, February 14, my precious father whom I love so very much passed away. He was 94 years old. I can't explain how proud I am that he is my father. I love what Alan Morel wrote to us to console us. "His generation did their best in a new country to integrate from the time they arrived and subsequently lay the platform for their children to the best they could. Those happy memories will remain. Thinking just maybe he chose Valentines day to remind us all that sending love is the best reminder." I really believe that Alan. He also loved Romantic movies and would watch some of them over and over again. And I cannot fail to mention his absolute adoration and addiction to Celtic Woman, especially the singer Lisa Kelly. We will all miss papa so very much. A man filled with endless stories and strange little quirks. Well one thing I know is that he loved the Lord and is now in Heaven charming the sox off Jesus and everyone else up there. A poem for Papa A little while before your partingYou heard the Lord declare "It's not your time yet David" The staff had quite a scare. You bounced back into your body it gave you quite a start Back in your bed at Arcare The Lord started up your heart. Your faith was very quiet But deep inside you knew That your Father who art in Heaven had a special home for you. Oh how creator God does love you I could never doubt such a thing He longs to hold you in his arms again And to you a new song will He sing So now my dear papa rest in peace a crown upon your head a white stone clenched in your hand hidden manna and a feast to keep you fed You will never be forgotten that is impossible to do I will await that wonderful day When I will once again be with you Toodaloo until that happy day.
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