John Holt remembered after death following collision at Newtown on Wednesday

Tributes are flowing for former Geelong mayor and early 1980s Geelong Football Club president John Holt after his death following a collision at Newtown. LEAVE YOUR TRIBUTE

Olivia Shying

3 min read

December 23, 2021 - 7:00PM

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Tributes are flowing for former Geelong mayor and past Geelong Football Club president John Holt.

Mr Holt, 92, tragically died on Wednesday after he collided with a car while riding a mobility scooter near the intersection of Latrobe Tce and Roebuck St in Newtown.

He has been remembered as a “true friend” who dedicated his life to serving his community.

Former Geelong Mayor John Holt in 2013. He was mayor the previous time a US Navy ship visited here in 1976.

Former City of Greater Geelong Councillor Anne Fuller served on council alongside Mr Holt, including when he was mayor from 1975 to 1977.

Mrs Fuller and husband Kevin were lifelong friends with Mr Holt and his wife Jill.

“I always think that John was a person who had very strong ideas and was quite prepared to go it alone if necessary,” Mrs Fuller said.

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“He was very much his own person and I would just say he was a truly wonderful friend

“He was a strong person and a valuable friend.”

A Geelong Football Club spokesman paid condolences to Mr Holt’s family.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Holt,” the spokesman said.

“John was a great Geelong person, having served as mayor of Geelong, and also as president of the Geelong Football Club from 1980-1983.

John and Jill Holt celebrated 65 years of marriage in 2018. Picture: Mike Dugdale

“John spent nine years on the board of the club and spent his entire life in Geelong. The club passes on its condolences at this sad time to John’s family.”

Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said Mr Holt was a “tireless advocate for our region” during his decade as a councillor.

“The City of Greater Geelong is extremely saddened to learn of the loss of former Mayor of Geelong John Holt,” Cr Asher said.

“John was a great contributor to our community and holds the very rare distinction of serving at different times as both Mayor and as President of the Geelong Football Club.”

Cr Asher said Mr Holt’s death was a “great loss for the Geelong community”.

In 2013 the Addy reported Mr Holt was mayor when the USS Barbey spent several days berthed at Cunningham Pier, while the captain and crew were feted by City Hall and Mr Holt.

The US Navy communique, which runs to about 1000 words, went to great length to describe the welcome the vessel received.

Jill and John Holt in 2015 at a Royal Geelong Yacht Club luncheon for members who racked up 50 years at the club. Picture: Peter Ristevski

The leaked report said it was the first time a US Navy ship had called at Geelong since probably during World War II.

``They took me out through The Rip (when the vessel left) and then they put me on a helicopter and dropped me back at Queenscliff,’’ Mr Holt said at the time.

``Then we went to the US shortly after that and we went down to the naval base and we had lunch with them down there.’’

Mr Holt lived his life in Geelong and had three children with his wife.

In 2018, on their 65th wedding anniversary, Mr Holt told the Geelong Advertiser his wife had always been an incredible support to him in every endeavour that he had taken on.

John Holt and Les Borrack at Lord of the Isles 2013 Penfolds Grange release dinner. Picture: Peter Ristevski

“When I said I wanted to be mayor, she was mayoress,” he said.

“When I wanted to be president of the football club, she filled the role of president’s wife exceptionally.”

“Mike Sheehan, who was the head (football) writer for the Herald Sun, once said ‘your ability as a football club president can perhaps be questioned, but your wife is undoubtedly the greatest lady president ever’.