John Richards, OAM, has been remembered for his generosity

A jackaroo who became a leading philanthropist in the field of aged care research has left a legacy of support for rural people. See how his life has been remembered.

John Richards, who helped to establish a world leading research centre for rural ageing and care, has died at the age of 87.

His sister Margaret Marchant said he passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 28.

Mr Richards was the second of six children and grew up in Carnegie and attended Malvern Grammar, later known as Caulfield Grammar.

He helped open a library at the school and his name was added to its honour board.

However, Mr Richards was better known for his achievements in the Victorian bordertown of Yarrawonga, where he later lived.

The La Trobe University, at its Albury-Wodonga campus, named the John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research in his honour.

It also bestowed an honorary doctorate of science upon him in 2015.

La Trobe Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Dewar, said that Mr Richards had been determined to improve the lives of ageing people who lived in rural areas.

“Many of us will cherish the memory of speaking with John a fortnight ago at the Albury-Wodonga campus graduation ceremony,” he said.

“John leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will endure for many years to come.

“The university will honour his memory in the continued work of the John Richards Centre and our determination to fulfil John’s vision that philanthropy can make a difference and improve the lives of older rural Australians.”

Margaret said Mr Richards held a number of jobs after he left school including as a farmer, jackaroo, newsagent, caravan park owner and a conscript in the National Service.

He had business interests in real estate, superannuation and investments.

“I think he liked being a jackaroo and farming the best but injuries prevented him from doing that for a lifetime,” she said.

Margaret said he could not walk down the street in Yarrawonga without being recognised and somebody wanting to stop and chat to him.

He was named Yarrawonga Citizen of the Year in 2004 and received an Order of Australia in 2007 for contributions to his local community.

Mr Richards was the inaugural president of the Yarrawonga District Health Service board of management and a member of the Rural and Regional Council of the Victorian Healthcare Association.

He helped to establish the Moira Healthcare Alliance, a not-for-profit organisation in Yarrawonga that provided home and community care services for that region.

Mr Richards is survived by Margaret and brothers Rick, Glen and David.

A memorial service will be held at St Georges Anglican Church, 296 Glenferrie Road Malvern on Friday June at 2pm. It will be live streamed for those could not attend at: https://bit.ly/john-richards