Early Life
David was born on November 26, 1961, in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. He was described during the eulogy as “50% Kiwi and 50% smart ass.” The son of James, an electrician, and Anne Elisabeth Blakely, David was the younger brother to Ian and older brother to Florence (Flo) and Cheryl.
According to stories shared by his brother Ian, David was quite accident-prone as a child. Tales were shared of numerous injuries and mishaps, from falling while sliding down stair banisters to accidentally setting his pajama pants on fire with a match. On one memorable occasion, young David attempted to show off by running down a hallway and leaping onto his bed, resulting in “a head-shaped hole in the gyprock thereafter.”
Career Path
After completing his schooling, David worked at his father’s business, Blakely Electrical, during school holidays. He later worked with Data Bank Systems in New Zealand, performing accounting and bookkeeping work.
In around 1986, David relocated to Australia, following his brother Ian who had already moved there. He worked in accounting roles in various textile-related industries, from bed linens to curtains and vertical blinds.
Life with Chai
One of the most significant events in David’s life was meeting his future husband, Chai, on March 21, 1994. They met on Oxford Street when they were both living in Surry Hills. In a remarkable coincidence, they discovered they lived in the same building.
Their relationship blossomed, and together they established their first restaurant, Forest Thai in Frenchies Forest, in 1995. This was the beginning of their culinary journey together.
Jing Jo Thai Restaurant
In 2005, David and Chai sold Forest Thai and relocated to Kangaroo Valley, where they established Jing Jo Thai (meaning “kangaroo” in Thai). Initially located at 160 Moss Vale Road, they later moved to a building near Hampden Bridge, and finally bought shops in the village, which became Jing Jo’s permanent home.
The restaurant became a beloved institution in the valley. Many local young people had their first jobs there, and David was known for sitting with customers, taking orders, and engaging in conversation. The restaurant was also known to double as an art gallery, featuring works by local artists.
Former employees shared fond memories during the service. One, named Zinzan, recalled being “shocked by how kind” David and Chai were, and how working at the restaurant felt like home. His sister Ashanti, who later took over Zanne’s job, shared that “the two of them became like my dads,” describing how Chai would immediately offer her food upon arrival and David would sit with her, sharing news and gossip before she started her shift.
Marriage and Community Contribution
Following Australia’s same-sex marriage plebiscite in 2017, David and Chai were married on March 4, 2018, at Hampden House. It was described as “truly a joyous occasion.”
During the bushfires of 2020, David and Chai answered the call to cook for the Rural Fire Service (RFS). David refused payment, considering it his and Chai’s contribution to the community they loved. As noted during the service, “David absolutely refused any payment for the food. He was adamant it was his and Chai’s contribution to the community that they love.”
Illness and Legacy
In mid-2023, David was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, believed to have resulted from asbestos exposure during the renovation of their first restaurant. Despite major surgeries and extended hospital stays, he maintained a positive attitude and rarely complained, facing his illness “with incredible strength and resilience.”
The eulogy noted that David “didn’t just feed us food. He fed us friendship, smiles, laughs, wisecracks, art, caring, loyalty, and support.” His impact on the community was summed up in the hundreds of comments following the announcement of his passing, describing him as “one of a kind, generous and humble, the best, a truly lovely man, dry sense of humor and welcoming nature, warm and friendly, a true gentleman with a wicked sense of humor, a beautiful human.”
Facebook Tributes to David Blakely
Following the announcement of David’s passing, social media was flooded with heartfelt tributes that reflected the deep impact he had on the Kangaroo Valley community. The following post by Andi Csontos, received hundreds of responses and numerous comments expressing admiration and fondness for the beloved restaurateur.
As I digest the tragic news of David Blakeley’s passing today shared by Sharlene Naismith, I am reflecting on how wonderfully generous Chai and David have always been.
When the bushfires came through in 2020 and I had rang around for help to feed RFS crews, David immediately answered my call. They opened Jing Jos, cooked and delivered meals straight to the RFS shed in mere hours…
David absolutely refused any payment for the food. He was adamant it was Chai and his contribution to a community they love.
And how many times did I duck down to get more of those delectable Thai fish cakes because David saved me a serve… he always laughed when I snuck in to purchase an artwork that there was no wall space for too.
Chai, I am so very sorry for your loss, for David’s passing all too soon. I will miss his joviality and dry wit, his love of roses and art.
I am sending you all my love at this time. As we Jews say, I wish you a long life. May time heal all grief.
Community members consistently described David as “special,” “kind,” and “the best.” Gail Trapp and Pam Greenwood thanked Andi for the “lovely words for a special man,” while Geoff Fearon noted that David and Chai were “a special part of our experiences in the valley and in our hearts.”
Sally Latham captured a sentiment shared by many, describing David as “one of a kind. Generous and humble. A rare combination.” Katrina Endean echoed this with “Beautiful kind words Andi for a kind and generous man,” while also sending love to Chai.
The comments also reflected the couple’s culinary contributions to the community. Maralyn Hamilton, who described herself as someone who “spends a lot of time in Thailand,” praised their food as “just the best” while expressing shock at David’s passing.
Several comments indicated the strong community support for Chai during this difficult time. Alison Baker wrote, “The KV community has embraced both of you and the nourishment you have given, and we will be here for you as always,” emphasizing the community’s commitment to supporting Chai in his bereavement.
The overwhelming response demonstrated that David was not merely a restaurant owner but a treasured community figure whose kindness, generosity, and warmth had touched many lives in Kangaroo Valley.
David’s service can be viewed online here.
