John David Rickard was born in Melbourne on February 9, 1935, and went on to become a multifaceted individual with various accomplishments in his lifetime. He initially pursued a career in acting and singing but eventually transitioned into roles as a historian, teacher, parishioner, amateur wrestler, art collector, family member, friend, and host of social gatherings. He was known for his passion for the arts, especially theatre and music, as well as his involvement in the academic world.
After attending Knox Grammar School in Sydney, John graduated from the University of Sydney in 1955 with an arts degree. Following a postgraduate scholarship from Shell Oil Company, he studied at Balliol College, Oxford, and later returned to Sydney to begin executive training at Shell. Despite his interest in acting, he decided to pursue a path in academia due to the lack of professional opportunities in the acting world. This led him to enroll in Monash University’s history department, where he completed his PhD on the topic of “Class and Politics, NSW, Victoria and the early Commonwealth, 1890-1910”.
Throughout his academic career, John published numerous books on historical topics, including a psychobiography of judge H.B. Higgins and a study on the domestic lives of Australia’s second prime minister Alfred Deakin and his family. His most significant work, “Australia: A Cultural History”, was praised for its breadth and readability, appealing to scholars and general readers alike. His research covered various aspects of Australian culture, including the intersection of high and popular culture, reflecting his own diverse interests and experiences.
John’s academic career at Monash University spanned several decades, during which he held positions of increasing responsibility and influence. He was appointed to a chair in Australian studies in 1995 and continued to make significant contributions to the field through his research and teaching. His work was recognized with prestigious awards, including the Ernest Scott Prize in Australian or New Zealand History for his thesis book in 1976. After retiring in 2000, he continued to be active in the academic community, becoming a visiting fellow at the University of Copenhagen in 2007 and an emeritus professor at Monash in 2015.
In addition to his academic achievements, John was also known for his involvement in the arts community, particularly as a collector of contemporary Australian paintings and a supporter of theatre and music. He was a dedicated parishioner at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in North Melbourne and actively participated in amateur wrestling. His social gatherings and dinner parties at his home in Prahran were legendary, showcasing his warmth, generosity, and ability to bring people together. He maintained close relationships with his colleagues, former students, and others outside the academic world, leaving behind a legacy of empathy, knowledge, and creativity.
John David Rickard passed away on July 26, 2024, leaving behind an extraordinarily rich archive of work and memories. His contributions to Australian history and culture, both as a historian and as a passionate advocate for the arts, continue to inspire and educate others. His diverse interests, talents, and achievements are a testament to the possibilities of a well-rounded life, filled with dedication, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the world around him.
