In February I posted an ‘update’ on World renowned island castaway David Glasheen and his then health issues. I’m so sad to advise that the former millionaire and later decades long island recluse passed away last weekend. His family have told me that he never really recovered over the five months since that hospitalisation for a heart attack.
So … I make no apologies for once again running this ‘last image’ portrait (top) that I made of David in the Red Cross accomodation following his discharge from Cairns Hospital back in February. That portrait was the catalyst for an another lengthy story on David’s island life in the Courier Mail newspaper.
David’s story … of losing a business fortune in the 1987 economic crash and dropping out to live a solitary life for decades on a remote tiny island off the coast of northern Australia … resonated around the planet. His book “Millionaire Castaway” (illustrated on the cover with another of my ‘David’ portraits) was a best seller around the World.
I had the pleasure of visiting David (and his mannequin friend) on remote Restoration Island three times over the years. He was always a gentleman, a fascinating wonderful host … and a great subject. (His island brewed beer was pretty good too.) Below I’ve also posted a few more pics of David when on his island home in healthier times, with his dog Quassi and his ‘friend’ Miranda.
Restoration Island (and the World) has lost a unique resident … they don’t make ’em like ‘Resto Dave’ anymore …
Images © Brian Cassey
