John Kingsley Dawborn
Born: 30/07/33
Died: 29/01/26
We invite you to share your memories and thoughts of John below.
Please note:
According to John's wishes the funeral service will be private.
Family invite you to watch John's service via livestream, please find link below:
Instead of floral tributes, we ask that you consider contributing to one of these two charities:
Kidney health research via Austin Health
https://austin-health-community-fundraising.raiselysite.com/inmemoryofjohndawborn
or
A youth mental health support charity of your choosing.
33 Tributes
Gwen James
I’m sorry to hear of the passing of John. I know that Len was pleased when John bought his little red tractor. Always a gentleman.
Jane Davies
I am forever grateful for the years I had the privilege of knowing John. Their life, wisdom and kindness made a lasting difference. John will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Brett B
I was very honoured to meet this family – John and Anne – very sad dad this wonderful man, father scientist , farmer left us . To Anne Kerry and the family please smile with the memories . Plooby and Monkey are watching .
Brett
Drew McIntyre
The Doc ,John was a big part of my life he was their for my son ,my partner and myself ,he will be truly missed by us ,and never forgotten and forever in my heart .thankyou so so much John..
My deepest condolences to all families members.
Kathy Pedlow
It will always be with fond memories I think of the time I knew John. A quiet thoughtful intelligent forthright man. Sadly missed by Anne, Kerry and family.
Peter Mount
Our condolences go to John’s family. He is remembered as a superb physician, an inspiring leader, and an exceptional man. We remain always grateful for his contribution to helping so many people.
Janice Chapman
Wonderful best friend since we first met on the boat going to UK in 1962. John and Anne had already 4 of the 6 children and we shared family lives wherever and whenever we could get together from then onwards. He made the world a better place.
Marlene (Walker) Burhop
My condolences to Dr Dawborn’s family. He was a wonderful Physican and gentleman who cared for my late husband, Ron Walker,diagnosed back in the 1970s.
We valued his visits to our home in Bairnsdale on his way to Benambra.
R.I.P great man.
Gwynne Thomas
John Dawborn was a distinguished nephrologist and a special person who touched the lives of many people.
He will always be remembered and may he rest in peace.
My condolences to Anne and all his family.
Victor
Rosa and I are so sad for the loss of your dear Jhon,
It has been a privilege to meet him and his wonderful family,especially Anne.
A lovely Gentleman in every way.
I will miss his kind little conversation we had together.
Condolences to every one and each of you in the family.
From Victor and Rosa .
Debbie Gregory
I was deeply saddened to hear of John’s passing.
As a young nurse new to the renal unit, I had the privilege of working with Dr Dawborn when he was the head of the department. He was deeply committed not only to the care of his patients but also to the growth and wellbeing of his staff.
In my own experience, he was a mentor who genuinely valued the development of knowledge and expertise. Through his support, I was able to visit three units in the UK to broaden my understanding of renal care and transplantation—an opportunity for which I will always remain profoundly grateful.
Although I was, at times, a little intimidated by him, we shared many laughs and many meaningful “firsts” in my nursing career. He was wise, perceptive, and had a presence that stayed with you.
Dr Dawborn, may you rest in peace.
His legacy will be remembered with respect, gratitude, and affection.
Janine Bradbury
I have very fond memories of starting my grad year 30 years ago at the Austin under Dr Dawborn. He always had time to educate us nurses and spent many a night on the balcony assisting and over seeing patients care. He always respected us and treated everyone with the utmost care and dignity. An amazing man, that always focused on achieving high standards of patient care. Always loved a banter about his cows, being a farm girl myself too!
Much love to his family,
The renal profession and community have lost the best of the best!
With fond memories,
Sr Bradbury
Mark Jones
On behalf of the Jones family,
Dr Dawborn was a household name as I was growing up with my siblings, our dad Ron Jones was a patient of Johns who became a paraplegic and kidney dialysis patient when he was a young man, mum Elvie Jones looked after dad at home and as a young person at the time we thought of Dr Dawborn as a super hero for looking after our dad.
Dads situation was very unique and at a time when a lot of treatments were in their infancy, I am sure the quality life dad had was a testament to Dr Dawborns love and support,
Dad went on to be awarded an Order of Australia medal for service to the community; upon reflection this was only possible with Dr Dawborns care.
Our condolences to all the family.
Paul Murphy
Like many here the I first met John when I was transferred from the Children’s to the Austin in 1974 with ESRD. I liked John because, in my eyes, he spoke his mind and I respected that. I know times were different with Mr Dawborn always wearing his white coat when most if not all Doctors wore plain clothes. I went to his farewell which was the last time I saw him until we ran into each other at Chirnside Park Bunnings. It was a pleasure knowing him even if only as Doctor to patient.
My sincere condolences to his family
Peter Kerr
I’m saddened to hear of John’s passing. He was an excellent, caring Physician. He helped shape my career as I started out in Nephrology and was an outstanding example of the perfect physician. My condolences to his family.
Cathy Pendergast
John was a lifelong family fiend. I will always remeber his insightful curiosity and genuine caring in the way he would listen carefully during our converstaions. I will also remember with great fondness, his dry sense of humour and the way he ould laugh! John ‘s humility shone throughin the way he met everyone as an equal and thus worthy of respect and kindness.
John lived a long, rich and rewarding life. Prefessionally he was an outstanding and dedicated nephrologist, and in his personal life,one of the highlights was his passion for breeding Hereford cattle. Last but definitely not least was John’s dedication to his wife Anne, and their children Robert, Peter, Michael, Joanne, Jaqihie and Kerry and all his grandchildren.
Rest in peace Johm – after a life well lived, you deserve it!
Noelene & Chris Hull
Great photo! John looked just like this when we first met him . He came to our farm in his red truck and purchased “Springbank Century” and that was the beginning of an enduring friendship where we enjoyed sharing cattle, cattle shows and farming stories. A true gentleman will miss him and his chats a lot
Ada Wilcox
What can I say but that we have all lost a wonderful person and friend, loved by so many over a great number of years.
My thoughts go out to Anne and his family at this difficult time.
I was fortunate to be employed by Dr.Dawborn allong with Robyn Baas in 1970 and work with him for 40 plus years.
Robyn and I were to join the Dialysis Team consisting of Dr.Dawborn and Sue Evans.
We saw Home Dialysis in its infancy become what it is today.
Home Dialysis impacts the family members living with the patient, and in some cases adversely causing significant stress within the home.DrDawborn saw the need to offer out of home self care Dialysis within a Satellite facility. Subsequently one was set up in to allow patients to perform their self care under minimal nursing supervision as need demanded.
Dr.Dawborn had the empathy, creativity and determination to provide for and meet individual patient needs.
It was a privilege to have worked with and known Dr.Dawborn. I am for ever grateful that the opportunity arose for my employment so long ago. I stll call him Dr.Dawborn out of respect .
David Hooke
As medical students and interns at the Austin in 1974/75, we were fortunate to be exposed to the teaching and the example set by John Dawborn.
He was a fine teacher and an exemplary Physician.
It was my privilege in later years to share the care of dialysis patients, at the Bairnsdale Dialysis Unit, with John.
He was loved and respected by patients and staff alike; we will miss him.
My condolences to Anne and extended family.
Mark Bean
John you became my friend over the last 10 years or so. And even at my last visit this year, you had your wonderful combination of intense curiosity and no-nonsense playfulness that I enjoyed so immensely. Despite that I will now have at least a chance at winning Bananagrams, I will miss you very much.
Megan Wallens
Sometimes, perhaps rarely, we are touched by true greatness, which Dr Dawborn had in bucket loads. He was a loved, smart, wise, kind, strong, insightful and compassionate doctor, who enhanced the lives of thousands – his patients, medical and nursing staff, and many others across generations. How fortunate are we to have been touched by his presence. He certainly influenced me (a raw nurse in the Renal Unit at Austin Hosp in the mid-80s). He demonstrated the importance of listening,and of holding a hand rather than medical notes. In my experience, he had a unique ability to read and appreciate humanity, and to meet each person at their level. My love, thoughts and condolences are with Anne and the Dawborn Family at this very sad time, and with much gratitude.
Margaret Morris
Deepest sympathy to Anne and family on the loss of ‘JKD’ . I was fortunate to join the Austin renal team at the start of my career. John was an exceptional physician, he led the unit with skill and integrity, and built a strong team. He was always interested in people, and forged close ties with patients and their families, always ready to implement new findings in renal research for their benefit. Thank you to John’s family for allowing us to share his final farewell. He will be deeply missed.
Susan Hanselmann
A final farewell to a wonderful physician and friend.
My thoughts are now with Anne and family.
Chris - Springbank Herefords
John I have enjoyed our past conversations, friendship and shared passion for the Hereford cattle over a 25 year period. Thank you
PS Enjoy another serving of Parkin.
Dana Brookes
I met John Dawborn through Kerry his daughter nearly 20 years ago and since then had developed a really good working relationship with John and his wife Anne, over the years it turned into a much closer friendship which I really cherished. John and Anne would often invite me in for morning tea whilst I was there working and we would sort out the world’s problems together, I would often lose track of time, then realising I had better get on with the task at hand.
John was like the grandfather I never had offering his wisdom and thoughts as we worked through problems with his plumbing or plumbing projects.
He will be greatly missed by myself and no doubt family and friends.
Miela
Papa, I will miss you more than anything. I have never lived without you in my life — you have always been there, a constant, a rock, and my papa. I may have never told you this in person, but I have always admired and looked up to you, and I’ve always wanted to make you proud. I will always carry you in my heart and always think of you as the most gentle, caring, kind man to everyone. I will never forget your smell or the comfort you brought me. I will live every day with you beside me and bring you along on my journey, whatever that may be. I love you with all my heart.
Cal Heath
Thank you, John for being the best father-out-law anyone could’ve ever asked for. I feel so deeply grateful for all the moments we’ve shared: the laughter; the games of Bananagrams; the cryptic crosswords and the precious depth of connection. I’ve been so incredibly fortunate to benefit from your wisdom, your generosity of spirit, your curiosity, and your endless patience, especially with my not always conventional ways of parenting. Your presence in my life has meant more to me than I can easily put into words. You have been the captain of my ship, as I can imagine you were for many others. It is wonderful to think of your legacy continuing through Arc and Miela, who I hope can show the same strength of character, kindness and generosity as you. I will miss you so much xx
Alex Collins
Deeply Saddened on the passing of a Highly Respected and Beautiful Man John was.
For 49 years you were my Doctor, Friend & Confidant.
We traded ideas on the Best materials for a cattle race….Timber !
We compared notes on breeding Herefords.
We shared great taste in wine…Penfolds.
You went into Bat for me, and now we’re Both smiling….
You will always be Loved and Remembered by many; Family, Friends, Staff & Patients.
Deepest Sympathies to Anne & Family.
Alex Collins.
Garry & Ros Iredell
Fondest memories of a kind, caring and generous man. John you were and always will be very special to us. Thank you and Anne so much for the help you gave us when we needed it most. John, you will always hold a special place in our hearts. Rest in peace and sending all our love to you Anne xx
Garry and Ros Iredell
Kerry
Dad, Mum said today that she can still feel you with her. What a lovely thought! She and I played bananagrams this afternoon, and it wasn’t quite right without you. But I kept feeling like I had to acknowledge the words you wouldn’t think were good enough, and when I did it was kind of like you were looking over my shoulder. And it’s true, there was a moment when I felt you were there. I cherish that.
Even though it’s hard, and it’s poignant, I think we’ll still be able to play though, as you are so present in our thoughts when we do, and it’s nice way to have you with us. Mark will hopefully come and play with us too, before I go home to Hobart.
Mum and I agree that your life is complete – there is nothing to regret. You lived it so very very well, gave your best and we all of us did our very best by you.
But boy, we miss you so very very much.
One of the funny things about when someone dies, is that you learn new things about them. But we can’t ask you about them. We can only imagine what you might say.
That you are gone still feels so surreal. But I’ve had a lifetime of listening to you, so I’m so very grateful to carry your voice and love in my heart, always.
Wendy Ward
I was very fortunate to work as a nurse in the early days of the Kidney Transplant section of the Renal Unit under Dr Dawborn’s direction for part of my thieteen years in the renal unit, and saw the wonderful difference Dr Dawborn’s leadership made to the lives of our transplant patients
He always showed great compassion, guidance and encouragement to all who knew him
My sincere condolences to Anne and all the family. He will be sadly missed
Helen & Nick Freeman
Our deepest condolences on the passing of a truely incredible man. One of our heart felt memories of John would have to be when we were walking around on one of his properties and Nick and I were quite distant from our children which were only 10 and 11 at the time and 2 cows came bolting around the corner straight for the kids. I screamed and panicked running away towards the fence and John just chuckled. Needless to say the cows stopped right at their feet thinking they had food hence the chuckling. We still think so fondly of this day. Our thoughts are with Anne and the family. John you be missed. Rest in Peace
Love Nick Helen Anastasia & Charlie Freeman 💜
John Kingsley Iredell (28.8.29 - 3.5.25) and Stephanie Iredell
John was a wonderful comfort and long distant companion to Dad through warm and sincere communications through the years. Also when Dad was passing over John was there for us. John radiated love, warmth and kindness and so many people were touched by that. I will always be grateful for John’s presence in our lives and know that Dad felt this strongly too.
Our heartfelt condolences go to you Anne (someone who also radiates love, warmth and kindness) and to all the family who must miss him so much. Sending love to you all.