21 Tributes

  1. Leanne Barnes
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    I am so very saddened to hear of John’s death. He was a true gentleman and a wonderful human absolutely committed to people and our sport of water polo. A huge loss – my thoughts are with John’s family, friends and his huge water polo family. His smile will be greatly missed around pools everywhere.

    • Kirsten Binnie
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      So sad to hear this news. I was only in Melbourne for 4 years but John was fantastic, so helpful and dedicated to helping us all. Huge loss.

  2. Deanne dale
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    So Sorry to hear of johns passing many memories growing up with John many days spent at the wodonga swimming pool rip

  3. Jane Banks
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    Such sad news. I have very fond memories of John when we first moved to Melbourne he was so good including Charlotte, Esther and I at training.
    Always happy to see you and have a chat.
    To Sue and the fur babies our deepest sympathy and my heart goes out to you.
    Sending you lots of love xx

    • Helen brockman
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      As John’s sister you all can’t imagine how heartwarming all your comments are.
      We are all blown away as to how loved he was.
      Thankyou all for taking the time to send messages. He has left a big hole in this world.
      My love to all my family and friends.

      • David Donnelly
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        Johnny Boy….Mr Consistency, your dry sense of humour, cheeky smile and thoughtful and generous nature will leave a big gap in our little friendship circle. I feel an emptiness since your passing, you certainly were one of a kind.
        Condolences to Sue and all of John’s family and friends.
        Farewell young man…rest easy.

  4. Leanne Wood
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    It has been such a wonderful experience to get to know John and his passion for water polo. He has made such a mark on Sienna and how she approaches her game. We have been very lucky to join NYP Dragons and Sienna has loved John as her coach over the past years. Condolences to Sue and all John’s extended family
    With love Leanne Craig Bailey and Sienna

  5. Chris Debrincat
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    The most honest and generous man I think I’ve ever met. Thanks John for taking your time with me and kickstarting my career at Visy.
    Rest easy my friend. 🙏

  6. Michael Weiner
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    John was so kind & welcoming to all he met. He put his heart & soul into everything he did. He will be sadly missed by family, friends and the Australian water pool community. Our condolences to Sue, Mark and their families.

  7. Brett Pullyblank
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    John was a face I always looked forward to seeing on pool deck. Always caring and always supportive.

  8. Jane Ward
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    Thank you John! For who you were and for what you did. You impacted so many people and had a profound impact on so many young people. We say it’s about water polo – but it was so much more. You taught them to care for each other, to have team spirit, to listen, to have respect and to be someone who others would respect. Thank you for the impact you have had in my life and the lives of our kids. We love you and will miss you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sue.
    Jane, Jason, Daniel, Caitlin and Hayley

  9. Kaye Edwards
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    I was so saddened to hear of Johns passing. I made a great friendship with John when my daughter was playing polo in his state teams and I became co team manager. John was such a wonderful man who I had a lot of time for. His care for all his players and the love for the game was outstanding. My daughter also had so many great times with his teams and loved the advice and care John gave. RIP my dear friend. Sending my love Sue love Kaye Edwards and family xx

  10. Craig Naismith
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    A true champion who always had time for a chat and a laugh. You will be missed John.

    • Mark Grooby
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      Condolences to Sue and family. Enjoyed John’s wit and company even when he umpired. Always had a smile and time for a chat. Gone, but never forgotten. RIP John.

  11. Noel Harrod
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    This is such sad news he was a great member of the water polo community and a great family man – he will be missed so much – gone far too early but will never be forgotten – his wit and smile will be with us forever RIP John and I hope to see you up there one day for a beer

  12. Carolyn Harbeck
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    So sad to hear of John’s passing, he was always such a happy person on our water polo trips away representing Country Victoria and any other comp we were playing. He will be sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. a true gentleman.
    Condolences to Sue and all the Mason family.
    RIP John

  13. David Donnelly
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    Johnny Boy….Mr Consistency, your dry sense of humour, cheeky smile and thoughtful and generous nature will leave a big gap in our little friendship circle. I feel an emptiness since your passing, you certainly were one of a kind.
    Condolences to Sue and all of John’s family and friends.
    Farewell young man…rest easy.

  14. Di Nimmervoll
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    John was like a brother / cousin to me. Some of the best times were when he moved to Melbourne and I went to hockey with him every week to cheer him on. I’m so glad I got to spend some time with him in January. Love to Sue, Tony, Helen, Mick, Mark and families. 💜

  15. Deb Johnson
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    John you were a true professional at all times loved by all and so passionate about the sport of water polo, whether it was as a competitor , coach or referee.
    John you will be sadly missed by all of the water polo community Australia wide. Your legacy will live on through junior water polo. To Sue and all of of Johns family and NYP water polo our thoughts are with you
    Deb and Bec Johnson
    St Caths Old Girls Water polo and Geelong Junior Marlins Water Polo
    RIP

  16. Wayne Charlton
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    Someone told when I was young and attending a funeral that if it rains on the day of the funeral it shows how much of a great person they were. Well we have just had about a months rain full since midnight. That says it all. You will be greatly missed by all John.
    Regards the Charlton’s.

  17. Sally Foster
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    Apologies I am unable to get to Melbourne celebrate the life of John with you all today. John was an inspiration and a dear friend. My condolences to Sue, all the dragons waterpolo family and friends that knew him during time. He will be forever in my heart and such an incredible influence on my life that I’ll forever cherish dearly. With all my love, John may you rest in peace and thank you for blessing me with being a part of my life. I am honoured to have known you.

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