In Memoriam
Here we honor and respect the passing of our esteemed Mini Car Club members.
Terry Thompson
2026
On behalf of the CMC Committee,
It is with deepest regret that I have the sad news to advise that our beloved President, Terry Thompson, OAM, has passed.
Sharon has advised that as at 4.40am this morning, 31st December 2025, Terry lost his battle.
Terry had been battling cancer for a while now. Our thoughts are with his wife Sharon, his daughter Laura, and his grandchildren.
We all extend our deepest thoughts to Terry’s family.
As further details are known we will advise.
Joan Vaughan
2025
It is with great sadness that Arlene and I advise the passing of our Mum, Joan Margaret Vaughan OAM, Life Member of the Mini Car Club of NSW, Surf Life Saving and many other community organisations.
Mum passed away peacefully at Casa Mia, Padstow, on Friday 05/09/25, she was 96.
It was her time and she went on her own terms, not surprising to any of us.
Mum was the Mini Car Club’s Secretary for a total of 33 years only standing down last year as she could not drive her Mini to committee meetings anymore.
Mum’s commitment to public service through Surf Life Saving, Mini Car Club, Mulga Road Bookshop, Georges River Community Service and Mortdale Community Service, Meals on Wheels and many more was never ending and she loved it. Mum was recognised for her service with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1999 for her service to the community, particularly through surf lifesaving. She made history by becoming one of the first female members of a Surf Life Saving Club – Burning Palms, marking her as a trailblazer in the movement, which she was most proud.
Mum, could you come back and stay for just a little while, we want to hear your voice and see your smile, we want to hold you tight and never let you go and tell you how much we love you. Remembering you is easy, we do it every day, but missing you is a heartache that will never go away.
Arlene and I would like to advise that there will be no funeral, instead Mum just wanted an “After Party” which we will advise in due course.
Rest in Peace Mum, your work here is done
Article By Alan Vaughan and Arlene Jackson
Gus Staunton
2025
It is with great sadness that I advise the passing of Gus Staunton, Patron of the Mini Car Club of NSW.
Gus passed in his sleep yesterday with his family around him after a short illness.
Gus was our President for the 1st 8 years and has been our Patron since.
I spoke to his son Wayne this morning telling me that he was still telling stories in the hospital about his time in the club and that the hospital needed a map so they could find their way around. If he had a map he would have organised a trial around the wards.
Gus was a natural leader and the Mini Club would not be the club it is today with out him and then Tony to lead the way.
Gus was also a big influence on Surf Life Saving in Australia and this is how Mum and Dad ended up in the Mini Club, through Gus and Surf Life Saving.
RIP Gus
Details provided by Alan Vaughan
John Humphreys
2025
Sadly John Humphreys has passed away on Monday 7th April 2025.
John’s funeral will be held at Woronora Cemetery South Chapel on Wednesday 16th April at 10am.
A wake to celebrate John’s life will follow the funeral.
Contact Glynis Heydon for further info 0408 865 955
Peter Tanner
2023
Sadly Peter passed away on Saturday morning 23rd September 2023.For those wishing to attend Peter’s Funeral the details are below.
Date: Wednesday 4th October 2023, 2pm
Location of Service: Palmdale Lawn Cemetery & Memorial Park
57 Palmdale rd, Palmdale NSW 2258
Join us for a drink and nibbles: 3.00pm Tall Timbers “The Tallies”
15 Pacific Hwy, Ourimbah NSW 2258
This is a celebration of Dad’s life so feel free to be as colourful as you wish!
Fiona E Tanner
Pam Watson
2023
Pamela Elizabeth (Pam) WATSON, 10th August 2023 aged 78
Loved wife of Alan, mother of Geoff & Kate. Grandmother of Zac, Max and Mya.
Family and friends are welcome to a Celebration of Pam’s Life to be held at 11:15, 17/08/2023 in the North Chapel, Northern Suburbs Crematorium, 199 Delhi Road North Ryde.
Light refreshments after the service.
ALBERT & MEYER
AUSTRALIAN OWNED
Thornleigh 9484 3992
John Smidt – The Mini King
2023
It is with extreme sadness that we advise that Mini enthusiast’s good friend and stalwart of the Mini world John Smidt, the original and only Mini King, passed away on Thursday 25th May 2023 after a long battle with cancer.
The funeral for John will be held on Wednesday 7th June at 1pm, followed by a wake at the same location.
John’s son Harrison has asked us to pass on to those who knew John and who wished to pay their respects that they are most welcome to join his family and friends on this day.
Wanda Surf Club, 2 Marine Esplanade, Wanda Beach
Cronulla, 2230
John McMechan
2022
We send our sincere condolences to Cindy McMechan and family and refer our members and friends to her words:
“I share this news with a very sad heart, my beautiful husband & soul mate passed away peacefully at home this morning after a long battle of illness. Much love to everyone who came to see John during his last days, I know he truly appreciated the unconditional love & support you all gave him.
For anyone who wishes to attend, we will be celebrating John’s life at a service to be held:
Wednesday 30/11/2022 @ 11am
Bowden Family Funerals
365 Pacific Highway,
North Wyong NSW 2259
Following the service, we will be hosting a wake at the same location.
Love Cindy x
Ray Kyle
2022
Following the sad passing of Ray Kyle earlier this week his family have announced the details of his funeral service which is to be held on Friday 30th December 2022, 10.30am at The Lodge Chapel Woronora Memorial Park, Sutherland.
To show your support for Ray as a Mini Car Club of NSW member please wear a Club shirt and, if possible, bring your Mini.
Kind regards
Grant Freeman