Thursday, 28 October 2021

 Mr PEARSON (Essendon—Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Minister for Government Services, Minister for Creative Industries) (09:54): I rise to honour the life of John Heyes, a very special person from my electorate who passed away recently. John was born in 1945, and he grew up in Williamstown, playing on the rifle range as a boy and quickly learning to duck whenever the red flag was raised. From the age of 17 John had a distinguished 35-year career in the titles office and was known for being meticulous and demonstrating the greatest of integrity. He was a proud union member for much of his life, valuing fair play, justice and people. John served in the Vietnam War, an experience which afterwards led him to gently remind many others of how fortunate we are here in Australia.

A gentle, funny and lovely soul, John fitted an enormous amount into his 76 years. He was a rower, coach and life member at the Essendon Rowing Club, a philatelist and stamp club enthusiast, a member of Aberfeldie men’s shed, an Essendon garden club member and prize-winning rose grower, a Flemington Kensington Rotarian, a charity fundraiser and an op shop volunteer. John’s family describe him as a man of calm strength, endless patience and enormous integrity, and they are proud that his legacy of kindness and love will live on through the many people whose lives he touched.

Upon John’s passing the tributes were many—so many in fact that I am told John managed to miss his own cremation appointment because so many people were keen to share stories and memories. Such was the love and respect for John Heyes. John is very much missed by his wife, Anne; sons Matthew, Paul and David; daughters-in-law Lee and Bec; and grandsons Luke and Jake. Thank you, John, for the gift you gave of yourself to our community.