Long serving Western Downs SES member John Grealy honoured after death

Western Downs SES has paid tribute to a long-serving member in the wake of his death this month, performing a guard of honour at his funeral. Find out more.

Stalwart Western Downs SES member John Grealy has been remembered after his death, with the organisation paying tribute to his more than 40 years of service.

The Western Downs SES has come together to remember their friend and colleague John Grealy in the wake of his death.

Mr Grealy dutifully served the Jandowae and Kingaroy communities for almost 40 years and was described after his death last month as man who’d “give you the shirt off his back”.

A member of the SES for almost 40 years, Mr Grealy was one of the Western Downs’ longest serving SES members.

“His number was 27635 and I’ve been there for ten years and mine’s 136 so there’s not too many older than that,” Jandowae group leader Andrew Tubb said.

“We formed a guard of honour (on Tuesday) at his funeral as a way to honour John and a little way we can give back to him.

“We had about 10 of us from Jandowae SES and three people from Kingaroy.

“He has been in town all his life, he grew up and he still has some family here.”

John Grealy remembered

Mr Tubb said Mr Grealy’s death was a great loss to the Western Downs and the SES.

“He was part of the fabric of the place, he had been at the SES since 1986, he did a stint in Kingaroy for a bit then came back to Jandowae for the last 12 years,” Mr Tubb said.

“He was the type of person that if something was happening he’d be the first to put his hand up to go, he would give you the shirt off his back if he could and was always up for a laugh, there was nothing he wouldn’t do for others.

“We had an emergency services bowls day and for the past four or five years he sold the most tickets selling 700-800 for the event, not many people could refuse Johnny.”

On social media there was an outpouring of grief and condolences.

“RIP mate … you enjoyed a coffee every time you called in to Jandowae QAS. nothing was too much trouble. A valued member of SES Jandowae,” Tony Stout wrote.

“John was larger than life and the world needs more like him. It was touching to see how loved, respected and cared for he was by his community,” Joanne Eaton said.

“Rip bud, sending my condolences to the family of such an inspiring person who made an impact on so many lives. you did great brother,” Tenneille Owens-Nowlan wrote.

John Grealy remembered

In a post to Facebook the Western Downs SES farewelled their friend.

“John was certainly not limited by spirit – and attended nearly every training and meeting he possibly could where he contributed as a valued team member,” they wrote.

“John’s health limited his ability to attend activations, but he relished the opportunity to don the orange, and to help out at community events, trail rides, Jimbour Opera and anything else where he could sneak away and grab a short nap in his favourite camp chair.

“Thanks Johnny Boy for the memories, thank you for your contributions and thank you for your friendship and laughter.

“Rest up, feet up, it’s time to watch your favourite John Wayne westerns.

“Love from all of us in your orange family past and present.”