Vale – John Gillespie

We are sad to inform the Mentone Grammar community of the passing of Mentonian John Gillespie from the Class of 1953. 

Dearly beloved husband to Jeannette, much loved father to Karen, Peter, Rodney and Steven, and grandfather to Lily, Dylan, Tim, Leo, Zsana, Paris, Fawn, Kye, Flynn and Kane (dec). John was also a Great Grandfather to seven.  

John attended Mentone Grammar from 1945 – 1948 as a boarder, along with his older brother Peter (pictured with John and their father). He embraced the life of the School and was a keen sportsman competing in football, cricket, diving, and won the school cross country in 1947. For many of his classmates, John was remembered most for his expertise as a dynamite boxer, earning him the nickname ‘Tiger’ which stuck with him for the rest of his life.  

At the age of 17 John, like his brothers, joined the Navy. He remained active throughout his life and enjoyed many cycling tours around Australia. 

John was a very humble man with a big heart. He was highly respected by his peers while at Mentone Grammar and later by his local community. 

He will always be remembered fondly by those who knew him. 

Labore et Honore. 

(23 July 1936 – 17 February 2023)