“I most certainly am interested in this very important vision of the Sheridan Law School”.
– The Hon. John Gilmour QC
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the Hon John Gilmour QC. A humble person with ethical values, high standards and unwavering faith, I am deeply honoured to call John my friend, a true warrior of the Lord, with an unrivalled moral compass matched by none. To say he was a courageous and outstanding judge is simply a gross understatement.
Right to the end, John actively supported numerous practitioners to develop their legal skills and be the best lawyer they could be. His contribution, guidance and personal support will surely be missed.
The Hon. John Gilmour QC was born, educated and initially practised law in Scotland. He migrated to Western Australia in 1975, and was called to the Western Australian Bar in 1989.
John practiced as a Solicitor and Barrister in Perth until 1989 when he jointed Francis Burt Chambers. He took silk in Western Australia and Victoria in 1994 and 1996 respectively.
A Justice of the Federal Court of Australia from 2006 to March 2018, with his renowned dignity and marked clarity, John delivered almost 600 judgments spanning the full body of the Court’s work, including important judgments in commercial law, company law and trade practices.
John then became a member of Quayside Chambers, acting as Senior Counsel, Arbitrator, and Mediator in commercial disputes. He was also a Panel Member of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre and of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre.
John Gilmour was also an active member the Sheridan Law School Advisory Board, where he regularly attended our Board meetings with great enthusiasm and generosity.
Indeed, John had the utmost desire to see the Sheridan Law School coming into fruition. He made numerous recommendations and proposed important amendments to the Sheridan LPB application, which were gladly accepted and unanimously approved by members of the Board comprised of distinguished lawyers and academics, including Emeritus Professor Gabriël A. Moens AM and the Hon Michael Sutherland AOM.
As a result of being a member of the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia, when the Sheridan LLB proposal came before the Legal Practice Board, John excused himself from the application in order to avoid a conflict of interest.
In June 2019, John actively participated at a major international conference held at Sheridan on the subject of religious freedom in the context of human rights and fundamental freedoms in general, particularly freedom of speech and freedom of association.
He opened our historical event by introducing the keynote speaker, Distinguished Emeritus Professor William Wagner, who is also a former Federal Judge in The United States. The Patron for our conference was former Prime Minister John Howard OM, AC.
Above all, John was one of the kindest, gentlest, warmest, most genuinely Christian human beings I have ever had the privilege to know in my life. I will always remember him for his kindness toward me and enthusiastic, unconditional support to the project of the Sheridan Law School.
John is now resting in peace, receiving the due reward for his outstanding work for the Lord Christ who he served so diligently. Location of Memorial has not been disclosed yet. We will update you once information comes to hand.
One behalf of the Sheridan Institute of Higher Education and the Sheridan Law School Advisory Board, I would like to send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, especially his wife Marcia and children, Josh, Tracy, Kathryn, Emily, Nic and brother and sister-in-law Dave and Karan Gilmour.
Perth, 7th February 2021
Professor Augusto Zimmermann
Dean of Law, Sheridan Law School
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve”.
Colossians 3:23-24