John’s life has been defined by freedom and simple pleasures. Growing up in Bronte, with views overlooking Bronte and Tamarama beaches, John spent most of his days by the water. “I’d watch dolphins catching waves from our house,” he recalled. “I was always at the beach - swimming or body surfing.”
Three weeks into high school, at the age of 12, John ran away from school. “I told the teacher I needed the bathroom and never went back.” John was homeschooled by his father but says most of his education came from reading books. “I loved reading. My grandfather was a school principal and taught me English from the youngest age.”
Despite his rebellious streak, John remembers his parents fondly, especially his mother. “I was a terrible child. I think I gave mum a lot of stress, but she never gave up on me. The nurses and carers here remind me of my mother because they are so gentle and caring.”
John’s love of water led to his first job, working with Dave Brown, a famous retired footballer who owned beachside dressing sheds and hired out surfer planes. “I’d arrive at 6am to take surfer planes down to the beach. If someone didn’t return the plane on time, I had to swim out to get it,” John said, smiling. “It was a fun job. My swimming improved and I was paid enough to get an ice cream and a candy apple.”
“One of my favourite hobbies in life was golf,” said John, reflecting on his time spent on over 100 courses. “I took a year off work in my 30s just to play golf every day. I’d go early and spend four to six hours out there. My father took me golfing when I was about 10 or 12, and I loved it.”
When asked about Christmas traditions, John said, “As a kid, my favourite thing about Christmas was getting presents. And I loved eating ham. I remember dad wrapping it up in the canvas bag. I’d often get into trouble because I would eat all the fat.”
John's life had been a journey of freedom, adventure, and a little rebellion, but always with respect for those who cared for him.
