The Chambers Fleming Professionals Padstow Principal, John, 74, had been a well known mover and shaker in the real estate industry as well as the community for the past five decades.
Hi commercial and accounts manager for 27 years, Liz Robinson said he was unique and would always be fondly remembered.
“He had a double lung transplant five years ago and was given five years to live,” she said.
“He certainly made the most of those five years and was all about family.”
Sales agent Bill Kordos, who worked for John for the past 19 years, says he owes all of his success to him.
“He was the absolute best mentor, appreciated hard workers and would always say, ‘don’t worry about what the competition is doing, just put on your blinkers and focus on what you do’,” Bill said.
“He was also the reason I quit smoking and will be greatly missed always.”
Among his leading industry peers, he has been described as “extraordinary entrepreneurial and fearless” who knew how the world worked and was not afraid to have a go.
W T Newey & Co Principal Mark Newey said John was a clever investor, a fantastic family man and a legend in the community.
“I am so saddened by this,” he said.
“He did so many things; he had his big wins and his losses but he never gave up.
“Always focused and positive, he also liked to have fun.
“My condolences go out to his wife Joy and family.”
Ronis Real Estate Principal Jim Ronis described John as “one of the originals” of the local real estate industry.
“I am very saddened by this news as we go back a long way,” Jim said.
“He was a good businessman and a wonderful family man; it is such a sad loss to the real estate industry and the community in general.
“We had so many good times together in business as well as fun times.
“Our sympathies to Joy, his children Belinda, Todd and Dean and their families.”
L J Hooker Padstow Principal Lush Pillay said he admired John and had to give him a lot of credit.
“He was a pioneer in real estate and a leader in our community,” Lush said.
“My business partner George Lefteri got his start with John 20 years ago and always spoke very highly of him.
“It is the saddest news.”
Ray White Bankstown Directors Tony Roumanous and Charlie Sioud said it was devastating.
“He was extremely likeable and a hugely prominent, successful agent for decades,” Tony said.
“On behalf of Charlie and myself, we offer our condolences to his wife and family.”
Torch Publishing Chairman John Engisch said the effort John put into the community was immense.
“He was so community orientated; anything I went to in the area, John would always be in attendance,” he said.
“He was such a larger than life character who will be greatly missed.”
John is survived by wife Joy and children Belinda, Todd and Dean and their families.
He will be farewelled at a funeral service this Friday from 11am, with live-streaming available.
For details, call the office on 9771 4555 or email kayla@professionalspadstow.com.au.
