He moved to Leeton with his wife in 1987, after moving to Melbourne in 1974 for two years then to Brisbane until 1980 when they moved to Griffith.

His schooling was completed in Wagga Wagga, with John attending South Wagga Primary School and Wagga High School.

Born in Gosford in 1945, he married Carol in 1969 while he was in the army serving in Papua New Guinea.

“After finishing school I worked in the motor industry in Urana Lockhart and Narrandera till I joined the Army in 1964.

During his six years in the Army, he had 12 months in South Vietnam and two years in Papua New Guinea.  

“Whilst in TPNG I met Carol and we were married in late 1969,” he said.

“On our return to Australia I took my discharge in Brisbane and went back to the motor industry in heavy trucks.”

The pair have two children Natalie and David. 

Natalie is married to Ihab and they have a son Najib.  

“The reason we came to Leeton was because we purchased the Toyota Franchise Till it was taken over by Owen Toyota Griffith and I continued on as the manager until I retired in 2005.”

John first joined the RSL in 1969 in Lae TPNG and apart from the two years in Melbourne, and has have been a member as well as Leeton President since 1992. 

“My position in the RSL has allowed me to get to know an become friends with the veteran community.”

“The one job that I take pleasure in being able to do is the RSL Funeral Service for departed ex-Service personnel.”

John is proud of the town, and says it has a lot to offer for families.

“Leeton has been a great town for my children to grow up in the sporting and cultural choices are amazing.”

“The people of Leeton have been very friendly and helpful to my family it is a very generous and giving community.”

During his time in Leeton, John has also been involved with Light up Leeton, the Art Deco Group and on the Leeton Tourism Committee.

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