Vale - The Honourable John Spence Winneke

The University Blacks would like to acknowledge the passing of The Honourable John Spence Winneke, who died recently aged 81.

A Cordner Medallist in 1959 whilst still studying law at the University of Melbourne, John was picked up by Hawthorn aged 22 and played 50 games for the Hawks over three seasons, including playing in the ruck in their first VFL premiership side in 1961. 

John went on to enjoy a stellar legal career, including a stint as a Supreme Court Judge and culminating in being president of the Court of Appeal, the second highest judicial office in Victoria. John was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1999, and in 2004 was upgraded to the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). Both were awarded for his significant contributions to the judiciary in Victoria.

John’s oration at the 2003 MUFC Team of the Modern Era dinner was the highlight of an evening a hundred years in the making.

All at the Blacks pay tribute to John and our thoughts are with the Winneke family at this sad time.