THE Dr John Vance OAM Memorial Autumn Open Pairs competition at Tamborine Mountain Bowls Club was a day full of meaning for club members and all of the player.
Club President, Lance Cordingley, said John was an integral part in developing the culture of the club.
“The “Vance Bell” trophy bears the following dedication which tries to capture something of the man as he was to us – dedicated in memory of Dr John Vance OAM – advocate, champion, friend. Humility in excellence,” Lance said.
Dr Vance suffered from retinitis pigmentitis, a congenital degenerative condition that gradually imposed itself until John had to retire from medical practice, where he specialised in pediatrics.
Dr Vance’s bowling achievements included gold medals in the 2014 QBBA State Titles Open Triples and the 2018 Australian Open Pairs, along with silver medals in the 2014 QBBA State Titles B4 Singles and the 2018 Australian Open Singles.
John and his much loved guide dog, Vogue, were regular bowls attendees.
John advocated heavily to try and improve accessibility for disabled people on public transport, and generally.
“We marvelled at his ability to calmly deal with what must have been many frustrations wrought by political and bureaucratic indolence, and to continue the good work that he did,” said Lance.
He was awarded the Queensland Care and Compassion Medal in the Pride of Australia Medals for 2012, and a Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2014 Australia Day Honours for services to the blind and people with low vision.
John served as President of Blind Bowls Australia, on the Board of Guide Dogs Queensland, and the Queensland Rail Disability Committee.
“We are very proud of our association with John and were always glad to call him our friend and team mate.”
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