When I think of John I always think of such a wonderfully strong life filled character, and always at his side....... this gorgeous effervescent bubble Virginia.
Dearest Virginia, I know you loved him beyond measure and now he is in heaven surrounded by angels away from cares and woes. How you must miss his huge presence in your life. Virginia I know from my own time with you how your love and warmth and generosity brings out the angel in everyone who is lucky enough to know you. I felt incredibly blessed and have wonderful memories all the fun times we spent together when you lived nearby. Enjoy all the love and warmth from those that have been touched by you; you are indeed a very very special person.
Love Adele
How lovely to hear from you, darling Adele! Let me know your address so that I can send you our favourite photo - it was taken last year:) It was a privilege to nurse the one I love at home until he passed - a life-enhancing experience. I am the fortunate one to have been so loved. I miss him incredibly, but feel him around me all of the time.
Love, Virginia xx
John was my store manager at McDonalds Bondi Junction from 1977 to when I left in 1979. It was a real highlight of my adolescence working at McDs and John created a challenging but safe family feeling. John always had great respect for his young employees and John used promotion and recognition well to reward our efforts. I corresponded with John in 2008 and I regret not making it to Bowral to visit him. iIalways remember my time at McDonalds fondly and John was a significant part of it.
Hello Bron ... thank you for these very kind sentiments; I am touched that you took the time to write of some of your own memories with John. Please know that you are very welcome to visit - I would be happy to show you around here, where John and I spent our last 8 years in absolute contentment. Sincerely, Virginia Adlide
Weep not for me for Death is
but the vehicle that unites my soul
with the Creative Essence, God.
My spiritual Being, my love, is
still with you, wherever you are
until forever.
You will find me in quiet moments
in the trees, amidst the rocks,
the cloud and beams of sunshine
indeed, everywhere for I, too, am
a part of the total essence of
creation that radiates everywhere
about you, eternally.
Life, after all, is just a
passing phase.
------------------
Helen McCue read this poem during the ceremony conducted by Rev. Bob Thomas for burial of my husband’s, John Adlide, ashes in the sunshine on a fresh, cool autumn morning. Liz Nicolls and her daughter, Lucy, also supported me. Family members were unable to attend on this occasion but sent supporting wishes.
Thank you Virginia for your email and the link to this magnificent Tribute Page.
I met John way back when. We were new-chums in the McDonald system and I guess I was drawn to John because of his no BS approach and contempt of Spin. I felt a kindred spirit and his sense of humour appealed to me and which was an important part of his makeup. We became friends and I was privileged to have him as a guest in my home in Melbourne a couple of times. He was fun to be around.
When I left McDonalds and moved to Queensland we kept in touch for a number of years and when I moved again we lost touch, which I very much regret.
John contributed big-time to everything he had an interest in and one could not help but admire his tenacity and pragmatism, his business acumen was on loan to anyone who asked and those of us who took advantage of it are forever thankful. Ronald McDonald house will forever be his legacy to NSW.
To you his family, my heartfelt condolences but be buoyed in your sorrows, his was a life worth celebrating.
Walt ... this is absolutely beautiful to read! I am SO pleased I acted on 'old' unanswered messages by doing email housekeeping!!
Thank you, thank you for making the time to write. I will forward this on to the family right now.
Warmest wishes, Virginia
I first met John (Jack) when he became a member of 2nd Penshurst Scout troop at the age of about 11. I can remember his willingness to achieve and his remarkable ability to make friends quickly, you allways felt at ease with Jack.
Later a group of us, including Jack, reformed the Rover Scout Crew, which had been dormant for a number of years. This is where I became aware of his never ending wit and pranks, with which he entertained us, especially when we were camping or bushwalking.
I can recall a time, when, returning from a bushwalking weekend in the Blue Mountains, 3 in the front and 5 in the back of Jack's holden ute, while overtaking, he suddenly turn right and stopped, when we asked why his reply was, "there was a car coming wasn't there !" Jack had turned into a side street to avoid an oncoming car which had come round a bend, but that was Jack, never a dull moment.
Of the 10 original Rovers, later increased to 15, 6 of who live in the Highlands,we have now lost 4, called to a better place.
As former Scribe of the Rover Crew, I would like to speak for the remainder,
and say that, "Jack you were a good friend, mate and conpanion to us all, we will miss you."
Barry (Shanks) Parsons
HI there, I dont know his family but Mr Adlide was my first boss at Mcdonalds Bondi Junction and he was such a lovely man, someone I felt happy to know. it wasnt a chore going to work knowing that he was the boss. i am a franchisee at the moment and know that being good to staff and having good people skills are vital. He had them all. As i am jewish, we say " I wish you along life to the family"
from Raveena Marks
Thank you for writing this kind message, Raveena. To think that folk like you, who worked with John all those years ago, remember how he impressed you and want to go to the effort of sharing those memories on this site. Sincerely,
Virginia Adlide (m. J.A. January 1990).
John Adlide died at home on Christmas Eve after a ten months battle with pancreatic cancer. John was a person with a great talent for friendship. His unselfish nature was well known to his friends and his willingness to become involved in any worthwhile and meaningful cause meant he was in demand for ventures which required community action. John often found these through the Rotary Club of Moss Vale where he played a prominent part in its activities.
It was impossible to meet John and not be stimulated to thought and action – in fact a person needed to have their “brains brushed” well and truly for every encounter with John. His straight talking and questioning attitude meant that each time John met anyone there would be an incisive exploration of their personal views on a range of subject and given any opportunity John would venture some opposing view. This always led to vigorous discussion and banter but while John had strong views on many subjects he allowed and encouraged others to express their opinions. He was tolerant but could always be relied upon to challenge accepted wisdom.
John and I had been educated at Canterbury Boys High School, a selective school which took its pupils from both Cronulla line and the Canterbury area. We often had discussions about our time there although we were in different years. One teacher who stood out was “Slim Jim” our Latin teacher – a small thin wiry man who always dressed in a black suit and who spoke in a thin nasally voice and had a fiercesome reputation amongst his pupils. John identified a collection of old students from the school and enjoyed reminiscing. The school motto, “TRUTH AND HONOUR” were qualities expressed by John fully in his life .
John had a passion for Family History research and he and I went to the U3A class run by Daphne Penalver to commence the exciting venture into our respective genetic possessions. Being a business man who had been a McDonald’s franchisee for twenty years he soon had a very organised portfolio of his ancestors and was extremely proud of his heritage and the fact that his surname, which I think came from Germany, was most uncommon and few others possessed it.
I remember meeting John in Bowral shopping centre soon after his diagnosis with cancer, He was very matter of fact about the diagnosis. As the months went by and he became increasingly weak I never, at any time, heard him complain. No person could have been more lovingly cared for than Virginia cared for John. Virginia had an open house where all were made very welcome and offered refreshment. John would sit in his electrically controlled chair and his wit would commence to roll. I suggested to him that he should make a written collection of his sayings and I think he slowly began to realise his abilities in this direction were unique.
While not a Believer in religious observance, it was fitting that such a man was accorded a funeral at Bowral Uniting Church with a packed congregation from many walks of life and many belief systems. We will miss his sense of humour and his sharp wit and lack of pretence.
John is survived by Virginia, his brother Tony, his three adult children, Geoff, Tim and Min, step-son Rory and seven grandchildren.
I worked for John for over 12 years at his Bondi Junction and Eastlakes sites. He was a wonderful boss, a mentor , a friend and was like a second father to me. I shall always remember his kindness, generosity, wit and support. Always in our heart and thoughts.
He was among my first contact with the McDonald’s System
I think he shouted Jean and me the first of many thousands of Macca’s coffees.
After a while he discovered that, through the First Fleeter convict John Nichols, we were distant cousins...very distant at that … and from that point on he always welcomed my family and me as, “Cuz”.
John always joked about living and trading in a Jewish area and did not mind taking the mickey out of himself. He commented about the Jewish fraternity. I thought he was one, and then I thought that if he was one and we were related I must be one also, but that was not the case.
John had many sides to his personality: a great sense of humour - provided you were not the subject of his sharp wit; a hard working guy ... and a power in the McDonald’s licensee community.
I always remember his comment when it came to competitions in the (McDonald’s) system...he said, “I don’t believe in winners and losers, I believe that everybody who tries should be a winner.” And I sure see the logic in that philosophy.
I recall at one of the early overseas conferences in Hong Kong, during the entertaining period John gave a dissertation. He titled it “I’m so lucky”. He had put together so many words to express his good fortune for his life to date, but now to be part of the McDonald’s system when we were one big happy family and all enjoying growth. I felt that John was not only talking about his life but spoke for all of us in the room.
John should get a great deal of the credit for the establishment of the Ronald McDonald Houses. He put in thousand of hours to establish the first House at Camperdown and untold effort to establish the Randwick Ronald McDonald House.
I feel that for that effort he got a just reward ...that is he met Virginia at the Camperdown House. We all know the story from there.
...and I recall John’s and Ginny’s first public appearance at a Surfers Paradise McDonald’s conference..???????
And their 20 years together I know have indeed been happy.
John’s personality and energy influenced many people including me. And I can say well done John. You’re a winner.
I first met John when he was my boss at McD's and I was a 17 year old smart arse who thought he knew everything. John was quick to prove otherwise. Over the next 10 years or so I learnt so many lessons from John - not just about business but about being a good, honest and respectful man. Now having a young son, I hope I can impart some of this wisdom. I still find myself using "Johnisms" every day. He was a wonderful mentor and friend who will continue to influence me (and I'm sure many others) for a long, long time to come.
Thinking of you
Adele Miedecke May 21, 2010
Dearest Virginia, I know you loved him beyond measure and now he is in heaven surrounded by angels away from cares and woes. How you must miss his huge presence in your life. Virginia I know from my own time with you how your love and warmth and generosity brings out the angel in everyone who is lucky enough to know you. I felt incredibly blessed and have wonderful memories all the fun times we spent together when you lived nearby. Enjoy all the love and warmth from those that have been touched by you; you are indeed a very very special person.
Love Adele
Virginia Adlide (May 24, 2010)
John - A great man
Bron Rayner May 21, 2010
Virginia Adlide (May 24, 2010)
Burial of ashes - epitaph
Rory May 16, 2010
but the vehicle that unites my soul
with the Creative Essence, God.
My spiritual Being, my love, is
still with you, wherever you are
until forever.
You will find me in quiet moments
in the trees, amidst the rocks,
the cloud and beams of sunshine
indeed, everywhere for I, too, am
a part of the total essence of
creation that radiates everywhere
about you, eternally.
Life, after all, is just a
passing phase.
------------------
Helen McCue read this poem during the ceremony conducted by Rev. Bob Thomas for burial of my husband’s, John Adlide, ashes in the sunshine on a fresh, cool autumn morning. Liz Nicolls and her daughter, Lucy, also supported me. Family members were unable to attend on this occasion but sent supporting wishes.
9.30am, 14 May 2010, Bowral Cemetery.
A Man To Know
Walt Raleigh Mar 31, 2010
I met John way back when. We were new-chums in the McDonald system and I guess I was drawn to John because of his no BS approach and contempt of Spin. I felt a kindred spirit and his sense of humour appealed to me and which was an important part of his makeup. We became friends and I was privileged to have him as a guest in my home in Melbourne a couple of times. He was fun to be around.
When I left McDonalds and moved to Queensland we kept in touch for a number of years and when I moved again we lost touch, which I very much regret.
John contributed big-time to everything he had an interest in and one could not help but admire his tenacity and pragmatism, his business acumen was on loan to anyone who asked and those of us who took advantage of it are forever thankful. Ronald McDonald house will forever be his legacy to NSW.
To you his family, my heartfelt condolences but be buoyed in your sorrows, his was a life worth celebrating.
May you rest in eternal peace my friend.
Virginia Adlide (Apr 01, 2010)
Scouts and Rovers
Barry Parsons Mar 30, 2010
Later a group of us, including Jack, reformed the Rover Scout Crew, which had been dormant for a number of years. This is where I became aware of his never ending wit and pranks, with which he entertained us, especially when we were camping or bushwalking.
I can recall a time, when, returning from a bushwalking weekend in the Blue Mountains, 3 in the front and 5 in the back of Jack's holden ute, while overtaking, he suddenly turn right and stopped, when we asked why his reply was, "there was a car coming wasn't there !" Jack had turned into a side street to avoid an oncoming car which had come round a bend, but that was Jack, never a dull moment.
Of the 10 original Rovers, later increased to 15, 6 of who live in the Highlands,we have now lost 4, called to a better place.
As former Scribe of the Rover Crew, I would like to speak for the remainder,
and say that, "Jack you were a good friend, mate and conpanion to us all, we will miss you."
Barry (Shanks) Parsons
First Boss
Raveena Marks Mar 28, 2010
from Raveena Marks
Virginia Adlide (Mar 30, 2010)
Obituary
Virginia Adlide Mar 23, 2010
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
John Adlide died at home on Christmas Eve after a ten months battle with pancreatic cancer. John was a person with a great talent for friendship. His unselfish nature was well known to his friends and his willingness to become involved in any worthwhile and meaningful cause meant he was in demand for ventures which required community action. John often found these through the Rotary Club of Moss Vale where he played a prominent part in its activities.
It was impossible to meet John and not be stimulated to thought and action – in fact a person needed to have their “brains brushed” well and truly for every encounter with John. His straight talking and questioning attitude meant that each time John met anyone there would be an incisive exploration of their personal views on a range of subject and given any opportunity John would venture some opposing view. This always led to vigorous discussion and banter but while John had strong views on many subjects he allowed and encouraged others to express their opinions. He was tolerant but could always be relied upon to challenge accepted wisdom.
John and I had been educated at Canterbury Boys High School, a selective school which took its pupils from both Cronulla line and the Canterbury area. We often had discussions about our time there although we were in different years. One teacher who stood out was “Slim Jim” our Latin teacher – a small thin wiry man who always dressed in a black suit and who spoke in a thin nasally voice and had a fiercesome reputation amongst his pupils. John identified a collection of old students from the school and enjoyed reminiscing. The school motto, “TRUTH AND HONOUR” were qualities expressed by John fully in his life .
John had a passion for Family History research and he and I went to the U3A class run by Daphne Penalver to commence the exciting venture into our respective genetic possessions. Being a business man who had been a McDonald’s franchisee for twenty years he soon had a very organised portfolio of his ancestors and was extremely proud of his heritage and the fact that his surname, which I think came from Germany, was most uncommon and few others possessed it.
I remember meeting John in Bowral shopping centre soon after his diagnosis with cancer, He was very matter of fact about the diagnosis. As the months went by and he became increasingly weak I never, at any time, heard him complain. No person could have been more lovingly cared for than Virginia cared for John. Virginia had an open house where all were made very welcome and offered refreshment. John would sit in his electrically controlled chair and his wit would commence to roll. I suggested to him that he should make a written collection of his sayings and I think he slowly began to realise his abilities in this direction were unique.
While not a Believer in religious observance, it was fitting that such a man was accorded a funeral at Bowral Uniting Church with a packed congregation from many walks of life and many belief systems. We will miss his sense of humour and his sharp wit and lack of pretence.
John is survived by Virginia, his brother Tony, his three adult children, Geoff, Tim and Min, step-son Rory and seven grandchildren.
My memory
Greg and Rachel Umadhay Feb 03, 2010
Virginia Adlide (Feb 03, 2010)
thinking of you
Jessie Adlide Cook Jan 30, 2010
I love you,
xxjessie
thinking of you
murray cook Jan 29, 2010
Virginia Adlide (Jan 29, 2010)
from Neville Spinks and family
Rory Jan 19, 2010
He was among my first contact with the McDonald’s System
I think he shouted Jean and me the first of many thousands of Macca’s coffees.
After a while he discovered that, through the First Fleeter convict John Nichols, we were distant cousins...very distant at that … and from that point on he always welcomed my family and me as, “Cuz”.
John always joked about living and trading in a Jewish area and did not mind taking the mickey out of himself. He commented about the Jewish fraternity. I thought he was one, and then I thought that if he was one and we were related I must be one also, but that was not the case.
John had many sides to his personality: a great sense of humour - provided you were not the subject of his sharp wit; a hard working guy ... and a power in the McDonald’s licensee community.
I always remember his comment when it came to competitions in the (McDonald’s) system...he said, “I don’t believe in winners and losers, I believe that everybody who tries should be a winner.” And I sure see the logic in that philosophy.
I recall at one of the early overseas conferences in Hong Kong, during the entertaining period John gave a dissertation. He titled it “I’m so lucky”. He had put together so many words to express his good fortune for his life to date, but now to be part of the McDonald’s system when we were one big happy family and all enjoying growth. I felt that John was not only talking about his life but spoke for all of us in the room.
John should get a great deal of the credit for the establishment of the Ronald McDonald Houses. He put in thousand of hours to establish the first House at Camperdown and untold effort to establish the Randwick Ronald McDonald House.
I feel that for that effort he got a just reward ...that is he met Virginia at the Camperdown House. We all know the story from there.
...and I recall John’s and Ginny’s first public appearance at a Surfers Paradise McDonald’s conference..???????
And their 20 years together I know have indeed been happy.
John’s personality and energy influenced many people including me. And I can say well done John. You’re a winner.
The Spinks family.
John - RIP
David Parker Jan 06, 2010
Rè galantuomo
Virginia Adlide (Jan 06, 2010)