Vale John Chen
24th January 2024
We are saddened to hear that John Chen has passed away.
From the Canberra Times:
CHEN, John
Venerable Canberra DamitaBorn 25th February 1951
Passed away on 6th January 2024 at the age of 72 years.
Much loved father of Andrew and Emily, and brother of Song and Margaret.
The funeral was held on 24th January 2024:
There is a record of the service and a condolences page here.
Thanks to Donn McMichael for the link.
Not sure how long the video will stay up, but his daughter’s speech was very moving.
From Robbie Swan:
“… taken in the main tent at Aquarius Arts festival ANU Campus 1971. I think he was watching Daddy Cool perform on stage. I was one of the security guards!!
John and Nino De Quolo were my first new mates in 1st form in 1964, John was a small but very quick winger in our league side and played in our premiership side (beat Yass 10 -7 at Sieffert oval) in 1967 in the Under 16s for South Canberra.
I will always remember. some stupid Yass mother rubbishing John from the side line at Griffith oval one Sunday during a game and saying ‘” Ching Chong Chinaman ” to him .it didn’t seem to worry him but I was standing nearby, and I couldn’t help but butt in. I said to her –“er excuse me Madam when did your family come to Australia”. She replied,” 1883 to Yass”. And I said, Well John’s came here in 1836 -Hé’s 5th generation Australian ! ”
that sat her on her arse .
Sad to hear of his death a great bloke who. like so many others we went to school with we lost contact with over the years. RIP.
Thanks Bill – that’s a great story!