Agent TypePersonPlace of BirthPrahranActivities & OccupationsMining companiesGenderMaleHistoryohn Reynolds was born in Prahran, the only child of Oswald (OW1906) and Pearl Reynolds. After spending his early schooling in the Sandringham area, John started at Wesley in 1936. In 1939 he rowed in the First VIII crew, which was narrowly beaten in the final by Melbourne Grammar, and represented Wesley in the high jump. Up until 2018, he attended the annual Boat Race Dinner, particularly enjoying the company of younger crews and the traditional singing.
John graduated in Metallurgy from the University of Melbourne in 1943. He had a 55-year career in the mining and minerals processing industries, including 25 years with Rio Tinto in the United Kingdom, Newcastle north of Sydney and then Melbourne, before 14 years with Western Mining.
Upon ‘retirement’ in 1986, he became inaugural CEO of the Victorian Chamber of Mines, a position he held until 1998. John was highly regarded in the mining industry and in 1992 he received an Order of Australia in recognition of his services.
John enjoyed get-togethers with family and his lifelong friends, and in describing these would always say, ‘A good time was had by all.’ He was an active member of Rotary and Probus and travelled extensively with Frances, his wife of 70 years. John was also a prolific writer about his life experiences, including a 100-page ‘biographical note.’ He was a lifelong Demons supporter, although unlike many Melburnians, did not see this as a religious activity. Source: https://www.wesleycollege.edu.au/news-events-and-publications/lion-magazine/lion-december-2020/owca/john-oswald-reynolds
Dates
Date14/11/1921-08/08/2020
Names
Given NameJohnMiddle NameOswaldFamily NameReynoldsSuffixOAM
Reynolds, John O. (14/11/1921-08/08/2020). University of Melbourne Archives, accessed 13/02/2026, https://archives.library.unimelb.edu.au/nodes/view/60210
