Jacqui’s husband, the love of her life.
Unique and special man.
John passed away peacefully on Wednesday 17th April 2024.
Father of Blair, Martin, Linda, Gerry, Nikki and Kaiyu.
Father-in-law of Darren, Jenny, Bob and Rachael.
Adored Grandpa to Jay and partner Esther, Joel and wife Naomi, Brooke and partner Justin, Georgia, Olivia,
Tiga, Irungel (Reilly), Jandarcan, Djidari, Joongurra and Ky Ky.
Great Grandpa to Oliver.
Special uncle of Michael, Jenny and Rod.
Family was precious to John and he embraced each one equally.
He maintained friendships going back 70 years and kept in touch with those who remained until the end.
He loved and gave generously to the Arts, the Australian Indigenous People,
the environment and all animals but with a special love for Australian kangaroos.
His hallmark was loving, giving, respecting and supporting those who needed it.
A service to celebrate John's life will be held in the chapel of Mount Alexander Funerals, 12 Campbell Street, Castlemaine
on Tuesday 30th April 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.
For those who wish to say a personal farewell to John,
his coffin will be open prior to the service, between 10.00 and 10.30am.
30th April 2024 at 11:00 AM
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I loved John, and everything about him; his fine character, his kindness, his wisdom, his empathy, his generosity and the love and respect
he showed me throughout our near 40 year friendship.
I loved the way he loved and cared for one of my best friends, the love of his life being his wife Jacqui, and the love and care he gave to my children
(they considered John to be their de-facto grandfather).
John was a mentor to me personally and professionally and I’ll miss him forever 🤗🥰
Andrew Kingsford
John was the most amazing man, what a full life with so many adventures, wonderful travels.
The most wonderful neighbor and texting partner, so generous, caring, great sense of humour, and what an awesome husband to Jacqui.
A life lived to the fullest.
We will miss John so much.
Evie and Phil
Dear Jacqui,
So sad to see that John is no longer with us. He was a lovely man who I will always remember with great fondness.
My love & sympathy to you,
Heather Morrison.
I knew Mr Turnbull as a customer when I worked at little IGA.
He was a true gentleman with so much knowledge.
Condolences to his family.
Lynne Jenkins
Fond memories of John and in particular his contribution to Castlemaine State Festival.
Love and sympathy to Jacqui.
Lyndal and Gary McClure
My late parents Berek and Marysia Segan were my first point of contact with John and Jacqui Turnbull due to their marvellous support both financial and personal efforts given to the Castlemaine State Festival which they were drawn to by its vision and richness it bestowed on the city and people of Castlemaine and the broader areas of
regional Arts in Australia.
John became Chair of the Festival and gave it steady leadership during very difficult times.
After my parents passed away John and Jacqui became my friends and continued their support of the Festival. John was clearly a brilliant, empathetic and generous person who knew how to reach out to people in a special way. His time as senior manager and Board advisor to the Smorgon Group puts him at the top of the corporate world but he never boasted about his achievements or connections. He displayed great warmth towards me and I understood that here was a very special man. I will have strong and very
good memories of John and Jacqui, and wish Jacqui and their families and close friends a long and happy life to remember their precious times with John and Jacqui.
Marshall Segan
Thinking of Jacqui and John’s family at this time of deep sadness, reflection and gratitude for a long life well lived. John was my mothers cousin – my adored Nana Winifred and John’s much loved Mother, my great Auntie Marj were sisters. John and I have had a lovely long distance friendship throughout my life and I was so delighted to spend time with him and Jacqui twice in more recent years in Castlemaine – special memories of a generous loving man who will be sadly missed.
Jenny Bennell
I enjoyed and valued John’s friendship in our paper and packaging industry working days and the friendship he maintained for so many years after our retirements.
John always expressed warmth and stimulating engagement. Joy and I were so very appreciative of the friendship with John and Jaqui when we married and, together, we felt that, notwithstanding the distance, this had continued after they moved to Castlemaine.
We could always see that John was the love of your life Jaqui and we convey to you and your family our most heartfelt condolences.
Geoffrey Bowd
John and Jacqui were long time and thoroughly enjoyed members of the Castlemaine Food and Wine Society Society.
And the Society send Jacqui, and all family members, condolences. John was a charming and affable member.
A long life, well lived and contributions far and wide. John will be very missed.
Hi Jacqui.
I first met you both when I was Mayor and John was Chair of the Festival. I really appreciated his friendship and his leadership over a difficult time for CSF. I had no knowledge of his life or work but saw great passion, humility and skills in drawing people to and around him. On the few occasions when our paths have crossed over the years I have enjoyed his openness, friendship and genuine love of people. You and John were obviously made for each other and we wish you and your family well as you grieve for John. We are unable to be with you at his funeral but will be thinking of you both.
Lilian and Peter Skilbeck
Wow mate…
You have left an incredible mark on me.
I have only known you for a few months but I felt I have known you for ever.
Such an incredible human being, even though u barrack for Carlton.
Thanks for your friendship and your advice.
You are the only man ever that told me he loved me, I love you too mate.
Enjoy the next chapter and see u soon.
Much love to Jacqui and family.
David Tobin xx
We first met John and Jacqui back in 1996 when John was the instigator and driving force behind the establishment of the Barkers Creek Landcare and Wildlife Group.
From our first working bee in White Gum Road, we did some very good work and had lots of fun and fellowship.
It was a privilege to have known and worked with him.
We also enjoyed the ‘New Years Eves”!
Our thoughts are with Jacqui and the family.
Peter and Dee Sansom
John was a kind, soulful, intelligent and worldly man, who obviously lived a full and purposeful life.
This wonderful celebration of his life was delivered with such grace and fun, and the high calibre of people sharing their stories, was a great reflection of the great man he was, and will continue to be, as he lives on through Jacqui, Nikki and the rest of his family and friends.
Andrew Smith