Vale Dr John Douglas Taylor, M.B., B.S., A.M. (28/1/1938–11/2025)
Melbourne High School 1952–1955
The Melbourne High School community farewells Dr John Taylor, a distinguished Old Boy whose life exemplified leadership, integrity, service, and compassion.
Born on 28 January 1938 to Harold Douglas and Isabel Annie Taylor, John grew up with a strong sense of duty shaped in part by his father’s service in the Royal Australian Navy. Harold enlisted in 1942, served in a series of shore-based appointments, and was later posted to the Attack Class Patrol Boat H.M.A.S. Madang shortly after the end of the war. He continued in the Navy until completing his career at H.M.A.S. Harman near Canberra in 1961.
John attended Gardenvale Central School before beginning at Melbourne High School in 1952. A proud member of Forrest House, he was quickly recognised as a talented sportsman and natural leader. That same year he was selected for the Under 14 Football Team, serving as Captain and playing alongside Lindsay Fox and Alan Gregory. In 1953 he earned selection for the Victorian Schoolboys Team and was elected Form Captain, the Form Notes affectionately dubbing him the “Lord Mayor”—a nod to his humour, organisational talent, and popularity.
Through 1954–1955, John continued to shine. He represented Forrest House in debating, athletics, and cricket, and played in the First XVIII. By 1955 he had become one of the School’s most respected young leaders. Seventeen prefects elected him School Captain, recognising his diligence, fairness, and quiet authority. He received Speech Night awards for Athletics and the Special Prize for School Captain.
After school, John undertook National Service with the Navy in 1957, training at H.M.A.S. Cerberus and later serving aboard the aircraft carrier H.M.A.S. Sydney.
John went on to study Medicine and eventually settled in Western Australia, where he built an exceptional career as a urologist and urogynaecologist. He served as Visiting Consultant Urologist at Fremantle Hospital (1974–1993), and as Visiting Consultant in Urogynaecology at King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women (1983–2007). Nationally, he played influential roles as Chair of the Special Advisory Group of Female Urology for the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand, Chair of the Urogynaecology Sub-Section for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and as a member of the Scientific Research Committee at St John of God Hospital Group.
John’s commitment to service extended beyond Australia. He worked as a volunteer medical educator in Sierra Leone, Malawi, and Papua New Guinea, and co-founded the Anatomy of Complications Workshop Project (2000–2007), contributing significantly to surgical education. Later, he devoted time as a volunteer guide at Kings Park and the Perth Botanic Gardens and as volunteer horticultural nursery manager at the Lake Karrinyup Country Club.
In the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours, John was appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of his significant service to medicine, medical education, and the community.
John and his wife Ann maintained a deep connection to Melbourne High School, returning regularly for the annual 1955 Prefects’ reunion, a close and enduring group who had served during the School’s 50th Anniversary and under the leadership of Brigadier George Langley.
Dr John Taylor will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and lifelong dedication to the wellbeing of others. His life stands as a testament to the values Melbourne High School cherishes and strives to instil: leadership, integrity, service, and kindness.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his remarkable life.
Vale, Dr John Taylor. May his memory be a blessing.
