John passed away peacefully in Castlemaine on 8th April 2024 aged 85.
Widower of his beloved Beryl. Survived by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
John was a master mariner, lecturer, raconteur, traveller, photographer, weatherman, columnist,
veggie grower, train spotter, competitor and dreamer.
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of John’s life
to be held in the Church of Christ, Blakeley Road, Castlemaine on Monday 22nd April commencing at 11:00am.
If you wish to join us at the service via livestream
please return to the home page of this website and click on the livestream button.
The service will be live approximately 5 -10 minutes prior to commencing.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of John to the Smith Family Foundation.
https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/donate
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To a much loved Uncle John.
Our Uncle John, who always had a great story to share. Everything from his days at sea, travel adventures with Beryl and what was next on their “no plan” plans together.
Thank you for showing us what a lifetime partnership brings, when you invest in each other’s dreams.
Thank you for always listening to our life updates and our families future plans.
Thank you for always picking up where we left off over a good cuppa or a wine, with your signature “hello love” and smokey peppermint scented hugs.
Thank you for always sharing your home and your balcony of stars with us. Nice one Captain. – What a ship you created on your pocket of the world.
In our hearts and minds, you will now be on the salty sea again with the best catch of your life.
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory”- Up
All our love The Wood tribe Shireen,Matt, Riley, Tasmyn and Skyler – who will make sure your Harbour Bridge flag story lives on xoxox
Farewell to a beautiful man.
In addition to his well known qualities and activities, last year John added Book Club member, when he chose to take Beryl’s place in our all female group at our monthly meetings.
As we already knew him quite well he quickly slotted right in and was so looking forward to discussing ‘The 4% Universe’ this month.
John, your bright, positive disposition and contributions will be missed.
Rest easy now with beautiful Beryl.
Castlemainiacs Book Group
To our beloved John
A generous spirit for life to both his family & friends, a soul mate for life to his darling Beryl.
His presence radiated a feeling of warmth & friendship always to be valued & remembered.
Rest in peace with Beryl our wonderful John.
Ros & Paul Brown
John Leavesley
Chewton and Golden Point community groups, Post Office Hill Action Group, Golden Point Landcare and the Chewton Domain Society along with the Chewton Chat, all remember John for his significant contribution to our community life. Local issues were important but were always seen as part of the bigger picture and John was always prepared to listen and discuss the various viewpoints made. It was an honour to have known and worked with him – he and Beryl were a great team!
Post Office Hill Action Group, Golden Point Landcare and the Chewton Domain Society and the Chewton Chat