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12 Campbell Street, Castlemaine

195 High Street, Kangaroo Flat (Bendigo)

in memory of

John Ridley McEwen

John Ridley McEwen

 

John passed peacefully at Bendigo Hospital on 22nd December 2020 aged 88 years.

Devoted and loved husband of Helen, adored father of John, Alison, Greg and Malcolm.
Loved stepfather of Tracey and Steven Baker.
Father in law to Kim, Rod, Lianne, Sarah and Lynsey.
Proud granddad to Morgan, Jackson, Mitchell, Joel, Grace, James, Ethan and Rylan.

Forever in our hearts.

 

My smiling gentleman, best friend, soul mate, and husband of 36 years. 
Your love transformed my life and gave me confidence to be me and I thank you.
Sadly missed, till we meet again.
Love always, your devoted wife, Helen xx

 

A Service of Thanksgiving for John's life was held in Christ Church Anglican Church,

 Castlemaine on Friday (8th January).

 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of John to

Alzheimer's Australia, Reply Paid 76732, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122.

Funeral Livestream

Tributes

20 responses to “John Ridley McEwen”

  1. Bendigo cursillo says:

    John was a gentleman and a passionate Cursillista.
    He will be Sadly missed.
    Our love to Helen and family.

  2. Maldon Men's Shed says:

    The Maldon Men’s Shed is saddened by the passing of John.

    John was always up for a yarn about one of his life’s adventures.

    He has been missed in the last year or so he been able to attend the shed but will always be remembered.

    John was made a life member of the shed in recognition of his contribution.

  3. Peter Matic says:

    Dear McEwen family,

    Please accept my condolences at the passing of John, husband to Helen and father figure to all in your family.

    I have been a member of the Maldon Mens Shed for a short time and got to know John through lunch table discussions, discovering his skill in working with horses. John was gentleman and respected by all at the shed.

    Take time to reflect on his lifes achievements and cherish your memories of his life.

    Kind regards Peter Matic.

  4. Noel Kilby says:

    A highly respected teaching colleague at Sunshine North Technical school who became a close friend. Over the years our two families became very close and we saw
    our children growing up together. Remember the trips with the draught horse and cart through the local forests where we camped. Grateful he introduced me and our two sons to the MCC where we continue to enjoy the wonderful facilities.
    Condolences to John, Allison, Greg and Malcolm.

    – Noel & Val Kilby and Family

  5. Dean Lewis says:

    John was not only a founding member of the Victorian farriers and blacksmiths association, but continued throughout his life to support the activity of this association. John continued to make throphies and certificates as well as serving as chief steward and timekeeper at all of our competitions. John designed the emblem of the VFBA, he was inducted as a life member of the association, and spent much of his time travelling to South Australia teaching people, not only the trade of blacksmithing but sharing his knowledge of farriery. John was an exceptional man who made a great contribution to farriery and blacksmithing, not only in Victoria but across Australia, and was held in extremely high esteem by his peers and will be sadly missed. My condolences to Helen and family. Dean Lewis AWCF

  6. Richard Caldararo says:

    To my dear friend John, I will remember all the good times and laughs we had during our years of friendship, you were a gentleman and mentor to a lot who will remember you as one of the best people to have known, to your family my deepest sympathy. Helen you will always be in our thoughts. John I hope you are in clydesdale heaven, driving one our your favorites.
    RIP
    Your Mate Richard C

  7. Deborah Coulthard says:

    John was such a strong and sunny figure in our parish.
    He would so often take us back to the baptism of our four sons.
    He referred to it as one of life’s highlights.
    He was sponsor to our eldest, Edward and a loving man to our whole family.
    Our sons Edward, John, Eamon and Marcus benefitted from his attention and care during all those years at Christ Church.
    John was forever youthful and full of vitality.
    He’ll no doubt be very busy in the next life, probably continuing to share his many skills!
    Love to his gorgeous and supportive wife, Helen.
    We will always think of John at church and miss him terribly.
    His face shone during worship.
    He loved life and was full of gratitude.

    An inspiration.

    – Deborah, Darryl and the lads.

  8. Eleanor Cotton says:

    I will not forget your kindness to me John.
    Thoughts and love are with Helen.

    Eleanor Cotton

  9. Barbara L Lukazsewski says:

    I met John through church he always shone such a joyous man.
    He talked of his beautiful wife Helen and family.
    Sadly missed.
    Thoughts and prayers with Helen and family.

    – Barbara Lukazsewski

  10. Wendy and Norm says:

    To Helen and Family.

    John will never be forgotten he was such a wonderful character who loved the simple things in life and loved Helen so much.

    Although we live in Mulwala NSW and didn’t catch up often but when we did we could see Helen was the love of his life and was a loving father and Stepfather.

    Thinking of you all at this sad time.

    Love Wendy & Norm xxx

  11. Paul Smith says:

    John McEwen, aka “Jinka Johnny” was a man who had a huge input to the V.F.B.A from the very beginning.
    He was a man of many admirable talents and skills.
    He loved his Clydesdales & driving horses.
    As a past president of the V.F.B.A it was an honour and a pleasure to have worked together with Johnny.
    A great teacher and even better story teller.
    So when you get up the stairs and you are driving that 6 horse team around, be kind on the reins and keep them in a good draft.

    Fair well my friend…

    You will be sadly missed.

    Cheers to a great man.

    Regards, Paul Smith

  12. Julia Nutting says:

    We thank God for John, a gift whose presence brought cheer and encouragement to so many.

    Peace and love to Helen.

  13. Jenny and Henry Burger says:

    John was a true and loving friend to me, Jen, for 75 years and to us both for more than 60.
    He was a really fine man, warm and giving, whom our children remember fondly.

    We offer our love and support to Helen and to his children in their loss, ours and that of all his friends.

  14. Kevin and Lois Bryson says:

    John was such a gentleman, devoted to Helen.
    We enjoyed many good times over the years.
    He will be sadly missed.
    Our thoughts are with you and your family Helen.
    Love Lois and Kevin Bryson

  15. Rod Craig says:

    The Victorian Master Farriers Association was saddened to hear of the passing of John McEwen.
    John was a Life member of the Farriers and Blacksmiths Association and made a great contribution to the industry.
    On behalf of the Victorian Master Farriers Association I would like to send our condolences to his family and friends during this time.
    – Rod Craig
    President of the Master Farriers Association

  16. Mark Friswell says:

    A wealth of knowledge and experience, great passion and amazing stories.
    You will be sadly missed.
    My sympathies to Helen and the family
    Regards, Mark Friswell

  17. Christine Steiner says:

    Rest In Peace beautiful man xx

  18. Lynne Willen says:

    MY sympathies to Helen and family.
    John will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
    Regards Lynne Willen

  19. Denise Woods says:

    Beautiful service,

    Rest in Peace John

  20. Christine King says:

    Positive, enthusiastic, never a bad word for anyone. A true gentleman. John, you are missed. Helen and family, our thoughts are with you.

Funeral Details

Christ Church Anglican Church
8 Mostyn Street
Castlemaine

8th January 2021 at 1:30 PM

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