On Monday January 10, 2011,
Donna Lemon said:
To John's family, friends and work colleagues, please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. JVG was a very inspirational leader who I looked up to as a participant in the Desert Leadership Program in Alice Springs. I will always remember him for the honest, awe inspiring, down to earth individual that he was, whose attitude towards life could only be measured by his devotion to his family and those who were fortunate enough to share in his life, may it bring you all comfort to know that his leadership legacy and passion will always live on and that my world is a greater, more successful one because of him. JVG's passing will be felt for a long time to come, far and wide. Arohanui to you all.
Earth's Cry is Heaven's Smile xxx
On Monday January 10, 2011,
Renee M Roberts said:
I am one of the people at the NAB that John touched through the work he did with the Accelerate Program. He was a wonderful man, who has left a sustainable legacy in the hearts of many. Personally I am a better and wiser person because of John. He will be missed by many, many people. He was taken well before his time and clearly is needed elsewhere. My sincere condolences to his family and those closest to him. I hope you can take some comfort from knowing that his spirit will live on in the hearts of many.
On Monday January 10, 2011,
Nathan Jessup said:
Dear Cathie and Family,
I had the great honour and fortune of getting to know John as a Vincent Fairfax Fellow (Group 14) over an 18 month period. As well as his profound wisdom, he became a highly respected mentor for not only myself, but also our group. My fondest memory was a breakfast discussion we had one morning in Sanur, Bali where he gave me some valuable advice. I have no doubt that he touched many other people in the same way he did me. John will be greatly missed as he was a wonderful man!
My sincere condolences,
Nathan
On Monday January 10, 2011,
Caetlin Jopson said:
Dear Cathie and family, I met John through the VFF program in group 8. I found John such an amazing, calm, insightful and extremely intelligent man. He was a inspiration and also challenged us in a non-confrontational way. He and his amazing intellect will be missed. I express my deepest condolences to you and your family. Caetlin
On Monday January 10, 2011,
Hala said:
A man like John leaves such a great legacy behind that he truly lives on forever in people's hearts, minds & in the positive changes he brought about in us that impact on the broader community. I'll never forget his contagious smile and the sparkle in his eyes... he was a true genius of a unique kind! I feel honored to have met John through the VFF program. My deepest condolences to his entire family xoxox
On Tuesday January 11, 2011,
Fionn Muster said:
My heartfelt condolences to John’s family and friends. It seems strange as I have known John through the Alice Springs Desert Leadership Program for only a brief time but even if this short time he has helped me to see my own potential, and the potential of others, through his unique and wonderful ability to draw people out into themselves. He was an incredible man, with such a kind heart and wise mind – I am blessed to have known someone like him. I will hold dear the last time I saw John, when he offered to look after my then two month old daughter Riley while our leadership group left for an activity, and when we returned an hour later he was so comfortable with her, talking to her intently, and she was so relaxed in his arms. Bless you John and thank you for the privilege of knowing you.
On Tuesday January 11, 2011,
John Rawnsley said:
My deepest condolences to Cathie and the family. During this last year I’ve worked closely with JVG in Alice Springs. There are three things I remember. First, he was always ‘genuine’ in his approach. He believed in others and genuinely wanted the best for them. This connection was immediate for everyone who met him. He had a commanding presence and used his high intellect for the benefit of others. Always genuine, calm, thoughtful. Second, he had a passion for ‘freedom’. He was excited about things that were borne from small ideas and from meaningful relationships, building things up, inspiring others and not burdens or restrictions. Once we sat down and he spoke for 20 minutes drawing diagrams and explaining how leadership works. At the end he connected all the parts and said that it is love that binds it all. His passion and personal interest for the subject was obvious. Third, his leadership work involved enabling others to gain a clearer understanding of themselves and their values and ‘ethics’, where they sit in the world. He often talked about his own family. The home run with loaded bases was a great moment. He once told me he had a senior job and missed an important activity so gave the job up. His love and passion for his family was clear. My seven year old son was upset the other day as to why people have to pass on. We told him we all go to a better place, where there is no time, and we all get to see each other again. I will always remember John, his qualities and the lessons learned from such a great person.
On Tuesday January 11, 2011,
Audrey McGibbon said:
To John's family and friends - I am a colleague of John's, a fellow facilitator on the NAB Accelerate program. Though we didn’t work together often and I knew only a very small part of him, my memories are vivid - as a dedicated professional with a rare level of knowledge and expertise, as someone committed to giving everything he had, and to making a difference to the lives of those he touched. I knew too, he was so very proud of his family, and of being a dad. May these words, from all who knew him though not you, help to ease your pain and as time goes on, to add to your cherished memories of his lifetime. He has been snatched too soon, but not before having left a great legacy. With my deepest sympathies, Audrey
On Tuesday January 11, 2011,
Fairlie Delbridge said:
Dear Cathie, Fletcher, Sophie, Jamie and Mattie, my sincere condolences for your tragic loss.I am a Vincent Fairfax Fellow from group 14 and my memories of John are delightfully sweet and simple, given his inherent intellect and complexity.My last memory of John was looking up at my graduation dinner to see him at the table next door, his face smiling and eyes twinkling as he watched me cradling my youngest child,who was blissfully asleep in my arms. Without a word spoken he conveyed his deep appreciation and understanding of who I am and in turn, once again I witnessed his gentleness of spirit.His love for his family was always quietly present in all our discussions together. My thoughts are with all his family but especially his wonderful children whom he cherished and celebrated so fully.
On Wednesday January 12, 2011,
Mark Rogan said:
A great boss, mentor and an even better friend. A more devoted family man you'd be hard pressed to find. His faith, humility, patience, tolerance, generosity, intellect, loyalty and smile were a gift to all. A testament to this great man is the flood of emails from ex Timeincers both here and overseas so shocked and sadden by John's death. He impacted for the better all he came into contact with, whether they knew it or not.
John I'll miss you very much. Cathie you and your lovely family are in our prayers - Mark, Trish and family.
On Wednesday January 12, 2011,
Jane Nicholls said:
To dear Cathie, and the beautiful children you and John brought into the world:
I was lucky enough to work with John for several years at Time Inc, and also played softball with him in the company team (he was always the best sport of the lot of us...).
John was always the true definition of a gentleman. Gentle, and yet strong. So kind, so thoughtful. A quick wit, a beautiful smile, a generous heart. And I think it was clear to anyone who ever spent time with John that there was something truly special about him, an inner stillness that radiated out to those around him. A quiet confidence that always let others shine. I am so lucky to have spent a small amount of time with him. I can only imagine the huge hole he leaves in your family, but I know you will also feel his enormous spirit alongside you, always. With love and thoughts—Jane
On Wednesday January 12, 2011,
Des Rogers said:
I'm shocked and saddened by the news. I really don't know what to say. I'm a long term Board Member of Desert Knowledge Australia and a reference group member for the Alice Springs Desert Leadership program here in Alice Springs. I was introduced to John over the phone and in the years that followed I participated in many phone hook-ups and emails and it was only last year that we met as long distance buddies. Many very kind words have already said but the treasure I found in John was his genuine interest of Aboriginal people and his willingness to intently listen. I could see his intelligence and his mind forever racing and challenging my life's experiences and world view as an Aboriginal man in his most respectful manner. It's a poorer world without you and you will always be in my thoughts. My deepest condolences to the family and his many friends.
On Wednesday January 12, 2011,
Participants of the Alice Springs Desert Leadership Program said:
To Cathie, Fletcher, Sophie, Jamie, Mallie, Beth, Ted, Marguerite, Anna, Maarteen and Janny, extended family, Friends and work colleagues.
Many of us came to know John after commencing the Alice Springs Desert Leadership Program in April 2010. Since that time, each an every one of us has fond memories and an even greater respect for John even though we had only spent a little time in his presence.
John was such a kind, passionate, knowledgeable, wise, respected and influential person who gave many of us the encouragement and commitment we needed to bring about positive change in our community for we as participants, our children and future generations.
Losing such an inspirational person in this world we now live in is such a big loss that will be felt far and wide, for a long time to come.
On behalf of the participants of the Alice Springs Desert Leadership Program, please accept our heartfelt condolences on your loss and may you all take comfort in knowing that John’s Leadership legacy will continue to live on in all of us.
As we move forward in our journeys we will strive to make him proud.
On Wednesday January 12, 2011,
Georgina Davison said:
My heart goes out to John Van G's family, as well as everyone that new him. I have learned so much from him in the very short time I had the privilege of knowing him. What an amazing, inspiring, intelligent, caring and wonderful man. Forever in my thoughts, there will be a major hole in our leadership program days without him there. I am certainly determined to embrace everything John demonstrated... What a life to celebrate. xo
On Thursday January 13, 2011,
Stephen Tudjman said:
Dear Cathie and family,
I had the pleasure of meeting John through the NAB Accelerate program. John's lasting legacy has been to inspire many of us to use our talents and positions of responsibility in the community to make a real difference to the lives of other Australians. John himself made a real difference to our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Stephen
On Thursday January 13, 2011,
David Quan said:
My thoughts are with John's family at this time.
Through the Desert Leadership Program in Alice Springs I too will miss John's presence in our sessions which has been suitably written about by other members of our Leadership family.
John emphasized the importance of love and family to me and one of the memories I will take will be a story he recounted of playing a game of baseball with his sons all on the same team. Also how proud he was to introduce us to his youngest boy who had driven all the way across Sydney to deliver something to his Dad.
On Thursday January 13, 2011,
Donna Lemon said:
Cathie, Fletcher, Sophie, Jamie, Mallie, Beth, Ted, Marguerite, Anna, Maarteen, Janny, family, friends and work colleagues, you are all in my heart and thoughts today xxx
On Friday January 14, 2011,
Bob Parlapiano said:
John, Cathie, Fletcher, Beth, Sophie, Jamie, and Mattie were at our home in the New York City suburbs on the night of 27 December. They were leaving for Cancun the next morning.
We had a wonderful time as my son Matt, age 23, and daughter Amy, age 20, got to know John and Cathie’s "kids" and everyone got along so well. John had been to our house the last time he was in the states, back in June 2002, but this was the first time I had seen Cathie, Fletcher, Sophie, and Jamie since my trip to Sydney in 1993. I had never met Mattie.
John was my favorite boss of all time when we worked together in New York from 1986-1989. I’m very thankful for the time he and I spent together over the years, both at work and outside of work…and I’m especially thankful for the few hours we had together two weeks ago.
John and I played softball together at the Time Inc sales picnics every summer in the 1980s. He sure could hit the ball a long way!
I had one word I always used to describe John: unflappable. He was the coolest, calmest, most patient man I've ever met. And what a sense of humor! He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face.
I an honestly say there has never been a finer man, both personally and professionally.
On Friday January 14, 2011,
Andy Nelson said:
To Cathie, Fletcher, Sophie, Jamie and Matthew….. Felicity and I have you in our thoughts and are so saddened by the loss of John.
John was my boss, my peer, my mentor. He accepted myself and family into his own family without any hesitation. Even though many years have passed since I was last in touch with John….his guidance and thinking are with me today. John was always so welcoming and down to earth , so easy to talk to and dissect the crisis of the day. Moving away to America made it easy to lose touch….and for that I am truly regretful. John was a very big part of my life for 7 years and I know he has touched countless others since then. I have missed the JvG smile and remember all the fun and laughs that we had together. It is a tragic, tragic loss of a great man.
Andy, Felicity and family
On Monday January 17, 2011,
Jane Cleeve said:
Dear Cathie and family, I am so very sorry to hear about John. I was a member of the final VFF group and I enjoyed his company and wise counsel over the last couple of years. I am sorry I could not be there for the funeral but I am sure it was a day with many family and good friends with wonderful stories. Warm regards Jane
On Tuesday January 18, 2011,
Phil Walcott said:
Sincerest condolences to John's family, friends and colleagues. John was a real inspiration to all of us involved in the Desert Knowledge Mentoring Program in Alice Springs. His wisdom, knowledge and passion will live on through the program. Many thanks to John's family for sharing him with us here in The Centre...he will be long remembered and loved by those of us who had the priviledge of knowing and working with him.
On Tuesday January 18, 2011,
Jo Featherston said:
Dear Cathie and family, we were so shocked and sorry to hear about John's tragic death and are our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. We have fond memories of John and you all from when our children went through Montessori and Barker together. Love from Jo, Roger, Strahan, Laura, Claire and Kim, (now in Melbourne and various other places).
On Wednesday January 19, 2011,
Marja van der Werf said:
Cathie
The shocking news about John's death has reached me. What an awful and sad loss.
Even though I have met John a few times I have good remembers of him.
Cathie, maybe you don't know me anymore. We have worked together about 30 years ago, on the laboratory of the AMC hospital in Amsterdam.
Cathie I know words are not enough, but my thoughts are with you and your children.
Heel veel sterkte met het verwerken van dit enorm groot verlies.
Marja van der Werf
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