IN MEMORIAM | JACK HOLDER
Vale Jack Holder
In this issue, we pay tribute to plumbing industry icon, John “Jack” Holder, who passed away in November. Born in 1924, Jack was the youngest of five children. Even before his plumbing career, Jack was a high achiever. From a young age, Jack developed a passion for cycling. He got a job at a bakery – which, due to the early finish times allowed him to practice his riding. Jack then went on to become a successful cyclist, winning the State Junior Track Cycle Championship. Jack began working for LJ Hill Plumbing in 1940. During this time, he found his passion for plumbing and enjoyed the physical labour, which kept him fit and strong for bike racing.
He served on various boards and committees, including Building Homes for disabled persons, Independent Living for Mentally Handicapped and the McLaren Vale Hospital Board.After his retirement, his passion for the community continued. In appreciation of his outstanding community work, a council reserve was named in his honour - ’The Jack Holder Reserve’, which is located in Port Noarlunga South. In 2012, Jack received an Order of Australia Medal for his service to the Building and Construction industry, professional organisations and the community of Noarlunga. Anyone who knew Jack, would agree that it is extremely difficult to sum up his extraordinary life in a short tribute.
Jack’s plumbing career was put on hold in 1942 when he was called up for service in the Military, during World War II. After several postings, Jack was discharged from the Army in 1946. Following the completion of his apprenticeship, Jack then went on to start his own plumbing business in 1952.
Jack’s life is best summed up in his own words through his biography, “I nearly missed you”. This book, which includes Jack’s incredible story, poems and photographs is available from our office for Members who would like a copy.
From this point on, Jack continued to lead the way for the industry, which included serving as President of Master Plumbers SA, Master Plumbers Australia, the Institute of Plumbing Australia and the SA Building Industry Specialist Contractors Association.
Not surprisingly, Jack donated these books to Master Plumbers and only requested that in return, Members consider making a small donation to a charity which supports Veterans.
He also helped form the South Australian Building Advisory Committee, as well as the National Training Advisory Committee for the Federal Government in 1976.
Jack has become an honourary and inspirational figure in the plumbing industry and he will be truly missed. We will continue to honour Jack’s memory and we hope that his achievements will continue to inspire tomorrow’s leaders. We pass our sincere condolences to Jack’s family and friends at this difficult time.
He was a Member of both of these committees for lengthy periods. In addition, he served as a councillor for the City of Noarlunga Council, amongst many others.
Image credit: ‘The Advertiser’.
Jack was not only passionate about serving the plumbing industry, but also about the community. After his son became quadriplegic at the age of 10, Jack became an advocate and passionate leader for people with disabilities.
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