Michael ‘John’ Greenhalgh was born on 14th September, 1954 and passed away on 14th August, 2025.
Late of Moores Road, Bundaberg, John passed away unexpectedly on August 14th, 2025, aged 70 years. Dearly loved son of Ronald & Shirley Greenhalgh (both dec’d). A much loved brother and brother-in-law of Adrian & Shelley and Judy & Jurgen. Cherished nephew of Betty McWatters (dec’d). Adored uncle of Laura, Carly, Aleena, Nathan, Thomas, Madeleine, Sophie and great-uncle of Theo, Toby and Alec. John was a dear friend to many and companion of Harry.
“Forever In Our Hearts”
Relatives and friends of John and his family are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held at Christ Church, Anglican Church, Maryborough Street on Monday, September 1st, 2025, commencing at 10:00am.
Will miss his smile and our chats in the shop. We had a running joke about me getting my ashes sprinkled in my all-time favourite shop. He always laughed and said no, we don’t need any more dust. He offered me a job once. but I said no, I will never take any money home…I will have a permanent layby! Avenells won’t be the same without him. RIP John.
Your presence is missed. In the shop, on the street, and in the whole scheme of things.
You enriched this place X
A smart, funny, quick witted man that I never got to meet face to face but had plenty of phone conversations and text messages with about my passion of Erstwilder brooches. I have no doubt he has left a big hole in the heart of the business and town as well. RIP John, your love and passion for business will never be forgotten.
Our last conversation was laughing & jibbing each other about life in our 70’s, how we weren’t quite up to what we could do 10 years ago but we were going to give it a good hot crack .
John you were always a Gentleman, Respectful & Kind ,had a Great Sense of Humour & Quick Wit .
I will miss you but we will meet again until then RIP ✝️
John will be sadly missed. We would go in to Avenells for regular search for a gift. Nine times out of ten you find what you want. Next he say I will get the box it came in. I can still see him heading off to the back room a bit of a russell , next out he came with the box.
If he didn’t gift you wanted he would say, ” Im doing a trip ,I’m bringing back exciting new range”. He loved to talk about the history of his store Avenell Bros. We use say to him when his ancestors opened the doors for the first ours rushed in see the wonderful things for sale and six Generations later we are still doing it. Rest in Peace John, we will miss the chats, with a genuine nice bloke.
We are still coming to terms with the loss of John. He was a great friend and neighbour but met him back when he first came back to Bundaberg to run Avenells for the family. Lots of great memories and fun times with John, always loved your company. Our thoughts are with Harry and family. So sad. ❤️
Many years ago, my son and I ventured into his shop to buy a present for my then 7 year old. He was determined to buy a cup for his teacher. However, he stipulated that it must have fish on it and a lid ~ his teacher was going to Cairns and the lid was to keep her tea hot on playground duty.
John was attentive and took so much care in finding the right one. Needless to say, we both walked out with exactly what my son was looking for!
My heartfelt sympathies to John’s family, friends and work colleagues.
I am going to miss John so much! His wit, flair and deep intelligence made conversations with him a joy whenever I popped in to see him.
John loved history and connections and spoke warmly of the connection our families had as both descendants of the Melcer family.
I started going into Avenell Brothers when we moved to Bundaberg In 1989 where I met his wonderful Mum and Aunt. When John joined the team I discovered the joy of Erstwilder through him and would pop in regularly to see the latest collection and chat with John. I used to joke with my hubby that I was off to see my therapist John.
John, you were such a caring son and friend and a wonderful example of all that is good in this community.
My family’s deepest condolences to Harry, Adrian and Judy and all your extended family.
Vale John.
Bundaberg will not be the same without you xx
Thank you John, I will always remember my visits to your emporium as a journey through time, shared with 3 generations of my family. Your flair, style, love for those you held precious and the “Paris End” of Bourbong Street will contribute to your legacy. Your shining light will continue in the hearts of those who knew you, and we will always remember you with a smile. My thoughts and prayers are with all who knew you.✝️
Today we gather to honor and remember my dearest friend, John Greenhalgh. John was more than a friend—he was a constant source of kindness, wisdom, and strength. His presence lit up every room, his laughter brought warmth to those around him, and his generosity of spirit touched countless lives. I will forever cherish the moments we shared, the conversations that lifted me, and the unwavering support he gave through life’s joys and sorrows. Though words cannot capture the depth of my grief, I take comfort in knowing that John’s love, integrity, and spirit will continue to live on in all of us who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Thanks for streaming this. Glad I could pay my respects. John- You taught me a lot about life. Thanks for giving me my first job. Thanks for encouraging me to see the world and gifting me my first bow tie and teaching me how to tie it. It was an honour to know you. Luke from London.
John is a friend who gave of himself in so many ways, always fun to spend time with and share dinner, an advisor, provider, those many items filling our homes with grace and elegance will
always remind me of his love for what he did.
He will be always loved, living in our hearts forever, it cannot be the same yet at the same time he gave us more than he even imagined, now to be treasured. My love and prayers to his family, employees, friends.
RIP John. You left an impression on everyone you .met. Watching your funeral was certainly a testament of how many people loved and respected you. Such a moving and loving service with love and emotion from everyone.
Someone wrote a post on FB that John treated every customer like they were his only customer and that is so true. John was ever so helpful from the moment you stepped into his shop. Recently my daughter in law both weren’t looking for anything in particular but left with two treasures that will forever remind us of John and his incredible customer service and his amazing ability to find exactly what you were looking for.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Gone too soon ♥️
So sad to hear today of John’s passing. A lovely friend and a wonderful person. Immensely grateful that he came into our lives and for the many happy times together in Kinkora Road Hawthorn.