It is with a heavy heart that I let members know of the passing of John Price this past weekend.

John was a keen sailor and an active member of IHYC in recent years, as well as a longtime sailor at Hobsons Bay Yacht Club. John sailed the club Sabre in races and was often in a rescue boat for club racing, Learn2Sail and regattas.

John was skilled with his hands and generous with his time, building the much-valued bench seat and hanging hooks at the front of the clubhouse. John was a ‘can do’ person and keen to learn new skills – John trained as a Learn2Sail instructor and was often helping others around the club with rigging or odd jobs. In recognition, John was presented with the Club Person of the Year award in 2024.

John was well known for his quick wit and dry humour, keeping us all honest. He was readily identifiable by his uniform of an IHYC t-shirt, shorts, and orange Crocs. Word is the IHYC t-shirt will accompany him to the afterlife.

A year and a bit ago, John was finding being on-water challenging, and after many tests, he started treatment for cancer. He faced many months of chemotherapy and radiation, and ultimately a challenging stem cell treatment. He accepted all these challenges with typical good humour and optimism, and was always up for a chat.

Writing in the first person and as a friend, I will very much miss John’s advice and friendship. I am sure IHYC will greatly miss John’s support.

John is survived by his wife Mirella, his children Audrey (and Karyn), Cooper (and Freya), and his two grandchildren Gus and Harriet.