In Memory of John Manson

John Manson was a wonderfully loving fix-anything-man, who built a happy family in South Australia with his partner & wife, anthropogy scholar Susan Hemer. Originally from New Zealand, John was the love-of-her-life husband to Susan and brilliant father to his second family of three Oliver, Lucy and Adele. Son Leigh from his first marriage was embraced into this family and remains close. John and Susan fell in love on Lihir Island off Niugini when she was a young anthropologist. John was on the staff of a Lihir mining company. He brought unconditional love and joy to Susan’s life. He was a conduit for adventure on which she thrives, and a natural at building a shared parenting relationship with Susan. They have created three highly capable, talented and interesting children who are now entering their young adulthood. Early on John & Susan established an interesting Adelaide family home for their three youngsters, where friends were always welcome, often entertained in an ever-expanding outdoor space. John was an imaginative man and could build anything from decks to pizza ovens to welded mechanical and metal projects. Their forest-like rear garden was full of veggies and interesting nooks for the kids created by John Years later & living in the southern vales near Kangarilla John became a valuable worker at local wineries after some years running an agency for trucking, loading and agricultural machinery. Their cheerful family home on a sunny slope surrounded by landscape has animals and veggie gardens, plenty of proper tools. A marvellous focus for family life is their semi-outdoor entertaining space converted from a large shed. This one is bigger and braver than their first deck and contains a brick baking oven in a roomy rustic kitchen, all built by John. Oceania style outdoor cooking has been a part of John & Susan’s life since they became a partnership on Lihir. Whenever I saw John he was warmly welcoming to me and all of Susan’s friends. It was obvious he was patient & loving with his kids. In him they had a wonderful role model as a kind and capable man. They learnt a can-do attitude to life and in their rural setting he taught them how to use grunty tools. Over the years they saw him solving practical problems by devising inventive solutions. John provided their family with a gently robust outdoor quality; a fine balance to Susan’s anthropological scholarship in an academic world. He is sorely missed and celebrated by his beloved family. Lucy Macdonald, friend and great fan of John Manson

For my brother

FOR DEAR JOHN

You’re an inspiration, Susan!

Enjoy the trails Susan!

Very best wishes for the hike!

Truly amazing, Susan ! I hope it's not too cold!

So proud of you all for completing this journey. You are all such an inspiration, and it’s a beautiful tribute to someone who was so deeply loved by you all ❤️

John was one of the most remarkable, talented and cheeky people I have had the pleasure of knowing. He bought laughter and warmth to those around him. Sent with love ❤️

We all love and miss John and hope this helps to raise money for others.

Good luck Susan and kids!

May your trip be meaningful but also fun. Enjoy the scenery, the freshness, the sunrises , and remember all the good times you had together before he got sick. Love from Roslyn

Go Susan and family... and take care of yourselves! Will be thinking of you out there on these cold nights! x

Thinking of you and your kids as you hike this first 400km, and as you celebrate John's memory - may it be a blessing. <3

Stay warm on that hike!

Good luck on the hike! Sending my love and support <3

Sending messages of support for the trek!