Statement on the passing of former councillor John Watson

Wodonga Council is saddened to hear of the passing of former councillor John Watson after his battle with cancer.

Wodonga Mayor Cr Ron Mildren paid tribute to John and his commitment to serving our community.

“From his strong family connections to his crazy ideas, John had endless passion, enthusiasm and a devotion for Wodonga,” Cr Mildren said.

“John’s legacy can be seen across the city with the decisions made during his time on council benefiting the city today through projects such as the new library-gallery, Logic and Baranduda Fields.

“He will be very missed and many in our community will hold great memories of his gregarious and generous nature.”

John was mayor in 2001-2002 after first being elected to council in 1997. He followed both his father and grandfather who had served on the old shire council.

He resigned from the council in 2004 but returned in 2012, serving until his resignation following his cancer diagnosis in October 2022.

At the time, he said his time on council had been a rewarding period of his life and he enjoyed being known for his crazy ideas.

He loved being a councillor and was proud to have had the opportunity to serve the community.

He will be fondly remembered for his love of the Melbourne Demons and his bees and his devotion to his late wife Christine and his boys.

Councillors and staff extends its condolences to John’s sons George, Digby and Dugald and their partners; and, John’s family and friends.