Vale — R Kingsley Davis OAM

Kingsley had three readers: Patricia Hudson, Maurice Gland and Angela Lee and was always available to give advice and guidance to younger practitioners in his areas of practice when approached.

He had two children: Sheldon and Carolyn and two grandchildren who were a source of ongoing pride and delight to him.

Kingsley was also a man who contributed very substantially in a number of respects – in his own local community; in the Scouting movement – as to which he achieved high distinction in his own right as well as being an essential and contributing member of the administration for many years, and in areas of law of a pro bono nature as well as his membership of various standing committees in areas of interest.

These included the Court Procedures Reform Committee, the Crime Practice Committee, the Juries Practice Committee, and the Causes Practice Committee.

He was essentially a quiet and self-effacing man with an extensive knowledge of the areas and procedures applicable to the areas in which he practised.

For many years, Kingsley ran the Family Court moot segment of the Readers’ Course with real ability.

On one occasion, two misguided readers stole his registry stamp to facilitate an argument for an adjournment on the basis that there were no filed documents to which the court could refer. Kingsley simply smiled benignly and kept the miscreants on their feet for two hours discussing inherent jurisdiction and the various discretions available under the Family Law Act.

He later observed that "he had thoroughly enjoyed himself, and that he was confident that the offenders had learned a great deal more law than they had ever wished to".

Kingsley was an able and well-prepared advocate who enjoyed the respect of both his colleagues and the benches before whom he appeared.

The recognition conferred upon him by the award of the OAM was richly justified.