Passed away peacefully in Mildura on Monday May 18, 2026 aged 77 years. Dearly loved husband of Janette. Loving father and father-in-law of Matthew and Suzie, Calum and Bianca, and Ailia. Adored Grandpa of Milla, Cruz, Charlie, Emma, Jack, William, and Franklin.
A Memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be conducted at the Church of Christ corner Deakin Avenue and Tenth Street Mildura on Friday June 5, 2026 at 11.00am.
Tributes
Stuart Putland
Dear Jeanette and family please take on my heartfelt condolences with your loss of John. My ten-year path from simply working with John to finding a true colleague was a real journey. Some words that I choose to describe that journey are:
Infuriating
Impatient
Irresistible
Incommensurable
Indefatigable
Ingenious
Invigorating
Illustrious
And ultimately, Invaluable.
Vale to the man who is known by my family as Doctor Doctor.
Rob Price
Dear Janette and family, so sad to hear about John’s passing. As others have mentioned, he was a passionate worker, supporter and enabler of biodiversity, water and land management – particularly in the Mallee and he was well respected in these fields. He was very proud of his family and always let us know what was going on in his life outside of work. John was a wonderful mentor to me and I will always hold great memories of working with him.
Doug Hooley
A great public servant who was a calm voice of reason in the 1980s’ debates on the future use of public land in the Mallee. Always a pleasure to engage with. My sincere condolences to the family.
Marty and Trish Bolger
Heartfelt sympathy Janette on John’s passing. Thinking of you all at this time.
Marty and Trish
Graeme & Wendy jones
Thinking of you as we remember John. Sending love and sympathy. Graeme & Wendy xx