Much-loved Perth man John McQuestin died last week at the age of 68.
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The former Perth Lions Club president, and father of three, was farewelled in a ceremony at Youngtown on February 16.
One theme was prominent at John’s funeral, according to son Michael McQuestin.
“A lot of the people [at the funeral] said the same thing – he’s the sort of guy who would make you feel at ease and included,” Michael said.
“He found the time to help everyone out.”
One guy went to the Alanvale [College] open day with no interest in science at all, but he met Dad and after that he did all the science classes to get into his class.
- Olivia While
John was a high school and college maths and science teacher, with stints at St Patrick’s College, Alanvale College, Prospect High School and Newstead College.
His daughter Olivia While said teaching was his calling in life.
“We have people that talk to us about him being a great influence and that he was the best teacher they ever had,” she said.
“One guy went to the Alanvale [College] open day with no interest in science at all, but he met Dad and after that he did all the science classes to get into his class.”
John was very active in the wider community, taking up major roles in a number of groups. While he left his post as the president of the Perth Lions Club almost 30 years ago, he still kept in touch with club members and activities.
“He had a very big presence – he was outgoing, a bit of a joker, he was prepared to speak his mind and was really good fun,” former Perth Lions Club member Graeme Everhardt said.
John’s wife, Yvette McQuestin, died after battling cancer in 2013. Michael said even during this period John was completely selfless, worrying more about how other people were handling her tragic death.
In the years after Mrs McQuestin’s death, John began a strong association with the Poatina Golf Club.
Club president Cyril Patmore said he “turned up one day, and it felt like he had been there for an eternity”.
Mr Patmore, who spoke at the funeral, said he would most miss John’s sense of humour and “smiley face”.
“He was just a generally good all-round bloke, with a weird sense of humour, but a really good sense of humour,” he said.
His cousin Dale Luck said he was “good at everything he touched” and had a huge interest in football, cricket and horse racing.
Michael said the loss of his father also meant the loss of a great mate.
“He was a mate as well, so I’m going to miss ringing him up to have a chat,” he said.
“If you’ve got a problem now, who do you ring?”
John died of complications of Pancreatic cancer on February 13.
He is survived by his children Michael, Olivia and Andrew and six grandchildren.