The celebration of David Jones’ life was held at his beloved MCG on Tuesday 25 March, attended by some 200 friends. The vibe in the room was really positive, with many amusing anecdotes being recounted to the audience’s great delight.
Family memories were sensitively led by Peter Jones, along with his brother Richard, sister Vicki and one of David’s grandchildren, Camryn Jones. The three key areas of David’s life were brilliantly recalled by Mary Barry (Rotary), David Berthon (Rolls Royce Owners Club) and Stephen Gough (MCC). In addition, David Hobson (close friend of the family) sang a couple of songs, equally superbly accompanied on the piano by David Cameron.
Everyone left the room with a big smile on their face. It was that sort of occasion, and David would have been mightily pleased.
A Tribute to David Jones AO OBE KStJ
25th March 2025
by Past President Mary Barry, Vice President 2024-25
David was inducted into the Rotary Club of Melbourne in April 1971 during its 50th anniversary celebrations. What seemed like a simple membership was, in fact, the beginning of a remarkable legacy.
From the outset, David’s passion for service and deep commitment to Rotary were evident. He embodied its core values—service, fellowship, leadership, and integrity in everything he did—constantly seeking innovative ways to support Rotary’s mission.
With a natural ability to bring people, organisations, and causes together he recognised a strong synergy between Tattersalls and Rotary. Tattersalls had funds - Rotary had the expertise and networks to ensure those funds were put to good use. This led David to forge a powerful partnership between the two, securing vital funding for numerous Rotary initiatives.
One of the most significant was in 1993, when Rotary Melbourne adopted Very Special Kids as a project donating $7,000 to train urgently needed family support volunteers. Learning about the project and the critical need for sustained funding, David championed the cause, and within a short time secured one million dollars annually for five years from Tattersalls to support Very Special Kids' operating costs.
At the same time, David and fellow Rotarian Roger Nicholson not only became dedicated members of Very Special Kids but also assumed the roles of Chair and later Life Governors of the Foundation. Determined to establish an enduring connection between Rotary and Very Special Kids, David, who didn’t take 'No' for an answer (and believe me, I know), spent years successfully encouraging fellow club members, some of whom are here today, to get involved.
And I’m very pleased to say that thanks to David’s efforts, to this day a senior member of Rotary Melbourne remains actively engaged with the Foundation ensuring the Club’s ongoing commitment to supporting children and families in need.
Beyond Very Special Kids, David played a key role in numerous other Club initiatives including the establishment of the Rotary Bone Marrow Institute, organising the Club’s 75th Birthday celebrations, which raised $100,000 for polio eradication and securing a significant contribution towards the writing of the Club’s history (prop).
Another major Rotary initiative David contributed to was the construction of an embassy for the newly independent East Timorese nation in Canberra. This historic initiative was the first embassy ever funded by donations from citizens of another country. Recognising its significance, David once again put his trademark determination to work, and secured a $1 million donation from Tattersalls towards the cost of construction.
Eager to embrace Rotary’s internationality, David expanded his contributions beyond local initiatives. In 1987 he served on the Rotary Pan Pacific Conference Organising Committee, participated in the 1989 Rotary International Peace Forum, and, as Club President in 1992-93, spearheaded the Rotary International Convention, held in Melbourne that year, attracting 22,000 delegates.
Fast forward thirty years, and I had the privilege of following in David’s footsteps as Chair of the Host Organising Committee for the 2023 Rotary International Convention again held in Melbourne. This time, David’s son Peter took on a prominent role, leading the convention’s major events bringing together over 17,000 attendees to various locations across the city.
David was absolutely thrilled to see the Convention return to Melbourne. I can still hear him sharing stories of the challenges and triumphs from three decades earlier, assuring me I was in for the 'ride of my life.' And he wasn’t wrong! Every so often, with a knowing smile, he’d casually ask, 'How’s it all going?'—and I couldn’t help but feel he knew a bit more about the diplomatic challenges of Rotary’s internationality - that the rest of us were still trying to figure out!
David’s tireless dedication to Rotary’s ideals didn’t go unnoticed. In 1995 the Club honoured him with its highest accolade, the Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Rotary’s mission of service and his dedication to creating lasting, positive change in communities.
In June 2017 after four decades of service David was named an Honorary Life Member of the Club, a fitting tribute to a lifetime of contributions and the countless lives he touch
In 2021, during the Club’s centenary celebrations, David marked 50 years of membership, making him one of its longest-serving active members. At the centenary lunch, he had the honour of cutting the cake alongside Yidan Xi, the Club’s youngest active member—a moment that not only celebrated his remarkable milestone but also reflected the strong intergenerational bonds that define the Club, something David valued deeply.
And true to his nature, David’s contribution to the celebration didn’t end there. Never one to shy away from the moment—and as we heard earlier from Peter - especially one that offers an opportunity to showcase his singing talents—he embraced it with enthusiasm, leading the room in a spirited rendition of ‘Happy Birthday.’ It was a perfect reflection of his vibrant personality and deep bond with his fellow Rotarians. We will now see David’s rendition of happy birthday.
In Conclusion
David’s impact on Rotary was one of achievement and connection. Beyond his fundraising and project successes, he understood that Rotary’s greatest strength is its people. With his sharp wit and infectious humour, he promoted fellowship, reminding us that while Rotary’s mission is serious, its camaraderie is just as vital.
As a Group Captain and member of the Rotary Melbourne Toorak 1 Group—a role that embodied connection, fun, and shared experiences—David encouraged others to engage, unwind and build lasting relationships. A true champion of fellowship, he embraced camaraderie as the foundation of a strong and thriving Rotary community.
David leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of service, leadership, and generosity. His contributions to the Rotary Club of Melbourne and the broader community will forever be remembered. Today, as we honour him, we celebrate a life truly lived in the Rotary spirit of ‘Service Above Self.
