It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of former Sub-Prior, John Alexander Strachan GCStJ (1939–2025), whose nearly seven decades of steadfast dedication to St John have left a lasting and far-reaching impact on the Order in New Zealand and around the world.
Over the years, John’s work commitments took him to Wellington and several South Island towns and cities, where he remained an active Brigade member and increasingly involved with the St John Ambulance Association. He served as Staff Officer, Secretary/Treasurer for the Ashburton Sub-Centre, and Chairman of the Nelson/Marlborough Centre.
Between 1985 and 1987, he was part of a Christchurch working party that reviewed St John in New Zealand, leading to the 1987 unification of the Brigade and Association. John later served on local and national committees, including the Christchurch Area Committee and the NRSI Regional Trust Board, before becoming Receiver General (1992) and Chancellor of the Priory of St John in New Zealand (1993–1999).
He represented New Zealand on an international working party that contributed to the 1999 re-organisation of the Order, and was subsequently appointed Sub-Prior and later Deputy Lord Prior (Establishments) until 2008. Locally, he remained active with the Christchurch Fellowship, the Priory Honours Committee (2011–2017), and as Chair of the Priory Order Affairs Committee (2014–2017).
John’s service was recognised with the Laurel Leaf (2008) and the Service Medal in Gold with two gold bars (2020) for 60 years of dedication. He was admitted as a Serving Brother (1986), promoted Commander (1989), Knight of Grace (1992), and in 1997 became the fifth New Zealander to be promoted to Bailiff Grand Cross, reflecting his exceptional contributions in New Zealand and internationally.
Reflecting on his legacy, Professor Mark Compton AM GCStJ said: “St John has lost a giant. John’s devoted service to the Order for decades since first joining as a Cadet, has been solely dedicated to serving our lords the sick and the poor.”
John Strachan GCStJ will be remembered with profound respect, gratitude, and admiration for a life devoted to service, leadership, and the ideals of St John. Our deepest condolences go to his wife, Mrs Strachan, and the entire family during this time of loss.
