John Howie, the former CEO of the JAA, passed away on Wednesday, May 15.
A memorial service for John was held this morning with family and friends at North Chapel at Northern Suburbs Memorial Garden in North Ryde and was followed by a wake at the Mosman Rowers Club.
In an official statement announcing his passing, the JAA said: “During his time with the association John made many positive contributions and instituted necessary changes.”
Graham Henrickson, a former JAA president and now managing director of ID Results, said he was “shocked and saddened with the news of John Howie’s death”.
“John joined the JAA at a critical point in time and as CEO he was the driving force for new initiatives and significant change.
“Although we didn’t always see eye-to-eye, there was no doubt of his passion and his contribution to the industry and the association is beyond measure.”
Graham Chapman from Eighth Avenue Marketing said he was sad to hear of John’s passing.
“John was always thinking, always looking to improve the jewellery industry”.
“I had the pleasure to do some work for John many years ago,” he said.
“His years of commitment and respect to the jewellery industry should never be forgotten, he always believed in dreams and there is nothing wrong with that.”