A Life Well Lived: John at 90
Mayflower Brighton Independent Living resident John is celebrating a remarkable milestone – his 90th birthday.
And if there is one thing that becomes clear when you sit down with John, it is that his life has been full of curiosity, courage and a quiet determination to make the most of every opportunity.
John’s story as an entrepreneur began early.
At just 20 years old, he opened his first business – a milk bar in Burnie, Tasmania, aptly named John’s. Even then, his entrepreneurial instincts were clear.
Alongside the traditional milk bar favourites, John introduced freshly prepared steaks and hamburgers to the menu – a move that was well ahead of its time and quickly proved popular with locals.
By 25, he and his wife, Sue, were running the Federal Hotel in Wynyard, followed by Burnie Wine and Spirits – a store regarded by locals as the precursor to Dan Murphy’s. “The store was huge!” says John, – and later Jay’s Restaurant. Four successful businesses, all built through hard work, smart decisions and a willingness to take a few risks along the way.
“I wanted a business,” John says simply. “So, I just got on with it.”
That drive paid off. John was able to retire at the age of 50 – a rare achievement even 40 years ago – and spent the next decades enjoying a life rich in travel, family and simple pleasures, including 30 years escaping the Tasmanian winters for Noosa.
A Lifetime of Love with Sue
At the heart of John’s life was his wife Sue, whom he met at just 16 years old. It was love at first sight.
They married in 1958, and went on to raise four children – David, Angela, Sally and Jason – all of whom have built successful lives of their own. Sue worked alongside John in their hotel years, managing the kitchen and rooms while John ran the bar.
John speaks of Sue with deep affection. She passed away peacefully in 2021, 18 months after the couple had moved together into a Mayflower independent living apartment. They made the move from Burnie so their daughters could be closer and more involved in their care.
Life at Mayflower - Retirement Living in Brighton
Since then, Mayflower has become very much home for John. He is an active member of the community, regularly attending men’s group, playing bridge, joining bus trips and taking part in social events. Asked what he loves most about living at Mayflower, John laughs and says, “It’s got two great assets – the swimming pool and Heather.” Heather is Mayflower Brighton’s Client Liaison and Services Coordinator, and a familiar, friendly face to many in the retirement community.
Swimming, in fact, is one of John’s lifelong passions.
He has swum every single day for over 40 years – whether in the ocean, a pool, or back in his beloved Noosa, where he and Sue spent winters overlooking the bay.
When asked about the secret to a long life, John doesn’t hesitate.
“Be kind,” he says. “Work hard, take a few risks – but not too many!”
As John turns 90, his story is a beautiful reminder that a fulfilling life is built on relationships, purpose, movement, and a good sense of humour.
At Mayflower, John continues to live his life his way – connected, active, and very much part of the community.
