Jonathan David “Jonno” Garrard
6 July, 1962 – 2 June, 2025
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Remembering rocking hard at a Midnight Oil Concert with you in the 80’s. Getting home at some un Godly hour then fronting up to work at 6am.
Was an awesome night . ❤️
Thank you John for all the years of great life and laughter. There won’t be a birthday, holiday, family event or Christmas that you won’t be missed
I still can't believe you had a bludy stroke this week and passed. No more fortnightly phone call 'what are you doing slack arse? What the f..... with that cyclone. Are you guys ok? What are you drinking....me 'lime juice with water from my sodastream'. Jonno....bulls***!'. How are the chillies? Where's my chilli jam? How's the family? Blah we talked about everything.
Jonno was my 'guy' friend and we've kept in touch since the most amazing wedding of Gill and Mick. Jonno and I were their naughty besties in the bridal party haha. He's visited here and we've been down to Mebourne as always go to Vic Markets.
We talked family, good bad and the ugly s*** that was going down. He'd complain about the emergency services levy and getting his rental ready to sell. We would always chat about our lovely friends Gill and Mick and talk about visiting but never did😪. When I lived in Melbourne Jonno was a chef and got me some amazing catering jobs at the Australian Tennis Open and Australian Masters Golf.
Jonno was my friend and he mattered. Still can't believe it. He was lecturing me about going to the docs and getting a heart health check. Well Jonno I will and I will also miss you heaps ❤️
There was only one Jonny Garrard. Our early days in catering were to work hard and play hard.
Jon was around 10 years older than most of us, and lived his life vicariously through our cohort in some ways.
Such a generous bloke who always had time for a chat.
Rest well young man, you deserve to.
My thoughts are with Jon’s family, and two daughters in particular.
We miss you Jonno,
Cheers to all the good memories,
Cheers to all the great stories,
Cheers to you
Hey Jonnie,
So so many memories filled with laughter and good conversation. You came into our lives all those years ago as a good-hearted larrikin with that cheeky grin and added a spark to a group of conservative young kids. The many wonderful times, parties, hikes, family holidays at Sandy Point, our kids growing up together, and of course cooking meals but never cleaning up that was the job of the dish *** 😊. And you were always up for a chat whether it’s about the F1, the news, our kids or what was happening in Dingley.
I will miss you so much.
Goodbye old friend.
Jon is gone. Jonno Garrard. Animal. One of the best friends I’ve had for over forty years. Ever since I met that rowdy bunch of Australians in Portugal, during the unforgettable spring of 1984. They were traveling through Europe in their orange VW bus, Dolly, with the Michelin Man strapped to the roof.
Together, we beat the fishermen of Armação de Pêra in a tug-of-war on the beach — free drinks and food that night. The grilled sardines and dorados were no problem for the fisherfolk, but they were scratching their heads when we ran out of beer and aguardente de medronho.
A month or two later, Graham — Croche — and Jon were in London while I was covering Wimbledon. To my great surprise, no mobile phones back then, I ran into them on the grounds. Outside, thousands were queued at the gates for day or resale tickets. I had no idea how Jon had managed it, but he showed me two Centre Court tickets.
We met Jon all over Australia — in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, or Sydney. At the Australian Open at Kooyong or Flinders, at the MCG, at White Sands, or at a rugby or footy final in the ANZ in Brizzy — Jon was there. He was in charge of catering, food, and kitchens, and always took care of us. In a skybox, of course — food and drinks on the house.
Hunters & Collectors or The Stranglers at the Palais in St Kilda? Jonny always knew how to get tickets.
At a footy final in Brisbane, we saw him again — with Jo Tancredi, who’d visited us in Breda the year before with Jon and Kate. During that visit — between long sessions in the legendary Beyerd and Bommel cafés — the two chefs said they wanted to try some “real Dutch food.” So we borrowed some push bikes and the five of us pedaled out to Anja’s mum in Heusdenhout, where they enjoyed that very Dutch classic: boerenkoolstamppot met braadworst — mashed kale and potatoes with grilled sausage.
Jon not only had the biggest of hearts, he had a real talent for making friends everywhere — and, occasionally, foes. Never shy about speaking up to bosses, he was loved to bits by the boys and girls who worked with him.
So often, when we were in Melbourne staying at Graham’s place in Elwood, Jon would just show up, when Jon felt like showing up. We loved it. He’d throw a six-pack of VB, a bottle of wine, or a box of food on the table: “Hey, what’s up, guys?”
The last time we were Down Under, Jon took us to Portsea and Point Nepean National Park. Bags full of food, drinks, and lots of laughs. Cherished memories now — little did we know we’d never see each other again.
The phone calls in the middle of the night — he didn’t care about time zones. “Nah, so what?” Until I called him back twelve hours later, in the middle of his night: “Nah, do you know what time it is over here?”
Our condolences go out to Hannah and Darcie, to all family and friends.
Jon was a good man with a golden heart. A great friend.
Nah! Jon is not dead, he's only gone somewhere else. I hope in some tug of war or catering friends somewhere up there, with lots of beer and lots of friends.
Anja and I miss him dearly.
Cheers Jonnie boy❤️🍷🍷
We miss you Jonno, always the life of the party!
Our darling Jonno,
One of our family, your spirit will be missed yet always celebrated. We love you!
We meet about 45 years ago, when you were introduced by Oz to the German Lutheran Church Youth Group. Friendships were made that lasted a lifetime. We had so much fun growing up, sharing holidays together with our families & extended family. I will miss you bossing me around the kitchen, sharing a glass of wine, chatting, dancing and just you bringing the mischief in the room, bringing life & fun to every occasion. We will all miss you. But you will be still be around in a different way.
We will miss you at the DVC A
meetings Jon!
We met u at the DVC group and always thought you did well and were funny as well . You were not shy to stand up for what u believed in .. So sad to read of your passing and our sincere condolences to your love ones at this time .. May your memories sustain you always … Edward Elaine …
Jonno dancing the night away. 27/01/2024
Dear Jon,
We miss you, mate. Our DVCA members (all your friends), my kids, everyone you’ve worked with in the Dingley community, all say the same thing to me. They just can’t believe such a genuine and warm community guy has been taken away far too soon. I have loved getting to know you and sharing in your energy and can-do attitude - we will do our best to keep it going in your name.
Love - Leigh
Dear Hannah, Darcie, and family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Over the years, we’ve shared so many adventures, conversations, and moments of joy—on ski trips, weekends away, concerts, over coffee and wine, and around the table sharing meals. These memories are now precious treasures, filled with warmth, laughter, and the spirit of living life fully and connected.
Your Dad was part of those beautiful times, and his presence will always be remembered with love and gratitude. This is what friendship and family are truly about—being there, creating memories, and supporting each other through both joy and sorrow.
Our thoughts are with you all during this time. May the love around you and the memories you hold bring comfort and peace.
With love,
Lee-Anne, Ian, Ryley, Mollie and Saige
Harrison
Xxx
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