Celebrating the life of

John Sheridan

25 Mar 1950 - 10 Jul 2025

29 entries

Sumeda De AlwisI was very fortunate to be a past student of Professor Sheridan in Fluid Mechanics at Monash University in the late 90’s. Although I consider myself to be a mediocre student, I very much enjoyed Fluid Mechanics as a subject and put in the time and effort; and although my grades may not reflect this; I believe Professor Sheridan saw this in me, and it definitely helped me and was a catalyst with finding my spot in the Engineering world. I recall Professor Sheridan being very well known amongst the highly academic types, due to his knowledge, professionalism and subject matter expertise, but also let’s just say the “not-so academic” types like myself who were more into sports and social interests; due to his reputation for running, being very fit and looking well. He inspired me to stay focused, be disciplined and persevere, which lead me to have a successful final year in BE(Mech) with above average grades. Post Bachelors, I’ve sought his advice on career decisions as well, due to a level of respect and trust that was cultivated during my time at Monash. I only got to know his passing last week. My sincere condolences to his family. A great man and a great loss. I’m grateful and very proud to say that I was one of the fortunate students of his. Thank you, Professor Sheridan. 7th September, 2025
Lawrence WongFrom my first meeting with John, I was struck by his warmth and kindness. Later, even when our research work faced setbacks, he remained patient, calm and encouraging. I am very fortunate to have had John as my PhD supervisor, and he had a lasting impact on my personal and professional life. The community has lost a dedicated educator, brilliant engineer and above all, a great man. My deepest condolences to Liz and the rest of the Sheridan family.4th August, 2025
Gordon SprattSad to hear of Johns passing. I was in the Highett workshop at the time John was such a delight to work for on his projects. His friendly smile and layed back attitude was infectious. A written reccomendation from John was very helpful in getting me my first promotion. Fond memories. Gordon Spratt4th August, 2025
Gerard ChittyI was deeply saddened to hear the passing of John Sheridan. He played a vital role in the early years of the Maintenance Technology Institute (MTI), and I remain truly grateful for the unwavering support and guidance he offered — both to the Institute and to me personally. John had a remarkable ability to understand and value the unique contribution MTI made to the University. Throughout his time as Head of Department and later in more senior roles, he advocated for our work with honesty, transparency, and integrity. For me personally, when I stepped into the role of Managing Director, John was consistently supportive in challenging times and always treated our interactions with warmth, respect, and thoughtfulness. His confidence in both MTI and myself meant a great deal. Even after his retirement, John remained a caring and curious supporter of MTI. He would often reach out to ask how we were progressing, and he genuinely took joy in hearing of our achievements. That interest, so freely given, spoke volumes about his character. John’s kindness, humility, and sincere engagement touched many of us. We have lost not only a respected academic and leader, but also a true gentleman. I feel honoured to have known and worked alongside him. May his soul rest in peace. My deepest sympathies 4th August, 2025
Daniel Tudball SmithI first met John as a high school student when he was Head of Department, without John's support and advocating it's likely I wouldn't have come to Monash in the first place. I went on to do a research project then a PhD with John. He was always supportive and insightful when times were tough and a great encouragement and advocate for his students. We had many long discussions in his office, not just about research but also about family, hiking, surfing, careers, and whatever might have been interesting at the time. He was a great mentor and friend, and his passing is surely a great loss to many. My condolences to Liz, Nick and Jenny. I am deeply grateful for the time I got to spend with John and his lasting impact on my life.4th August, 2025
Naomi BrammerDuring my time at Monash, John was my undergraduate lecturer, PhD supervisor, colleague, and mentor. He was a man of great integrity, warmth, and wisdom, who brought a positive energy to everything I saw him do. John had a wonderful knack of gently and calmly getting right to the heart of the issue at hand, without fuss or fanfare, and I learnt so much from our interactions - about engineering, about research, about teaching, and about myself. I was very sorry to hear of John's passing, and extend my deepest condolences to Liz and the rest of the Sheridan family.3rd August, 2025
Shibo WangThe first time I met John was as an undergraduate student, eager to apply for his PhD. I visited Monash to meet him in person, and he kindly showed me around his lab and introduced his research field to me. I could feel his deep passion and love for his work and his generosity in sharing it with others. I was fortunate to become his student during his final years in academia. Under his supervision, I learned far more than just knowledge and research skills, I also learned about integrity, ethics, and what it truly means to be a good researcher and engineer. The last time I saw him was just before I left Monash for a new job. While others congratulated me, John simply said, “They’re lucky to have you.” That was the kind of person he was: warm, humble, and encouraging. It was my honour to work alongside him in the pursuit of knowledge. The lessons he taught me, the memories we shared, I will carry them with me always. And in his spirit, I hope to pass on the wisdom, kindness, and curiosity he instilled in me to those who follow.  Rest in peace, dear mentor and friend. Your legacy lives on in all of us. Your Student Shibo Wang3rd August, 2025
Zhe LiuJohn has been my greatest mentor and dearest friend at Monash University. At the end of my first year as a postdoc, it was John who encouraged me to apply for a lecturer position at Monash—a pivotal moment in my career. From that point on, he guided me along the academic path for the next nine years, until I eventually left Monash. John taught me how to deliver and continually improve undergraduate teaching. He mentored me through writing my first high-performance computing project and my first Australian Research Council Discovery Proposal. He also helped me secure internal funding for critical research infrastructure. Beyond that, he supported the development of my research collaboration network, often accompanying me to meet prominent researchers across Australia to build my confidence. I will never forget his unwavering encouragement and support, especially during my many setbacks in securing research grants and advancing my career. It was John’s belief in me that gave me the courage to persist and ultimately continue my academic journey. John, you will always be remembered with deep gratitude.3rd August, 2025
Andrew WrightAs an undergraduate student in the late 1990s my life's direction was impacted by John. He graciously allowed me to complete my final year thesis within 6 months, facilitating a course of events that led me to my future wife and future career. I will always be grateful for the kindness he showed towards me, and for the guidance he provided to me as a young engineer.31st July, 2025
Yi-Bing ChengJohn was a great friend and mentor to me. In my AD International role of the Faculty, John was the Deputy Dean, during which we had a lot of interactions. I still remember John’s big smile when he called his wife on the Great Wall in the trip that I led the whole faculty deans and all HoDs to visit our 2+2 partners in China. John was very supportive to my work and offered much needed assistance and wisdom regarding the faculty’s operation. It was a great fun by accidentally finding that we both shared the same birthday after both of us retired from Monash. He then happily emailed me to swap birthday wishes. I miss you, John. Yi-Bing30th July, 2025
Yi-Bing Cheng30th July, 2025
Arthur LoweryJohn was one of the first people I met outside campus in 2004; he was wheeling a shopping trolly of drinks for his son's party, so I put him down as a good egg. He's always been very proud of his family - rightly so. To me he was a vital mentor in the politics of faculty meetings, and always had a principled argument, put in dulcet tones (which still resonate in my head). He got me to appreciate Tam's MO - broad discussions followed by an executive decision the next day. He also advised me on the many issues of being HoD, and later about his enjoyment of research on the boundaries of fluid dynamics (which made my numerical solutions of Maxwell's Equations seem trivial!). One of the corner cases was archery, which I must read the thesis of one day, and another cycling of course. Anyhow, I miss those days (and late nights) of Faculty meetings and the camaraderie we all shared. We are all deeply sorry about his passing. Sincerely, Arthur Lowery.30th July, 2025
Stuart BuckinghamI was fortunate to work with Professor Sheridan in my undergrad at Monash. He's a brilliant engineer and a great teacher who I will always remember.25th July, 2025
Jian-Feng NieI was very saddened to hear that John has passed away. One of my earliest memories of him, when he was Associate Dean Research in the Engineering Faculty, is the photo we took together when I received my Logan Fellowship in 1997. I was fortunate to work with him for several years later in my career, and I always appreciated his thoughtful guidance, and kind support. What I regret most now is not getting the chance to talk to him again. He left a note on my office door late last year, and I kept thinking I would get in touch when work wasn’t so busy. I truly wish I hadn’t waited. His kindness and support meant a lot to me, and I will carry that with me always.25th July, 2025
Andrea WallerJohn was such a lovely, kind man and a great leader and co pilot to Tam. The legacy he leaves behind is one of integrity, generosity, and a commitment to the development of our faculty. My sincere condolences to his family. Rest in Peace John24th July, 2025
Christopher PowellA great contributor to the Faculty of Engineering and Monash University. John never forgot the real reasons of a University, that of teaching and research whilst dealing with the administrative drivers of the times. A runner with a sense of humour and integrity. My condolences to the family. Chris 24th July, 2025
Stelios KonstantinidisDear Liz and Family I was deeply saddened to hear of John’s passing. He meant a great deal to me—not only as a colleague, but as a true friend. John was a man of quiet strength, deep integrity, and unwavering purpose. He led with honesty, patience, and kindness, always guiding with wisdom and humility. John never sought the spotlight, yet his impact was profound. He gave so much to those around him—through his leadership, his generosity, and his quiet dedication. His legacy lives on in the people he supported, the work he championed, and the lives he touched. Please accept my most sincere condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you and your family. May you find comfort in the love you shared and in the lasting influence John had on so many. With deepest sympathy, Stelios 24th July, 2025
shahin khoddam **Dear Liz,** John was such a special person who played a significant role in my life, and I will always be deeply grateful for the kindness, wisdom, and warmth he shared with so many. His memory will remain a blessing to all who knew him. May Almighty God grant him eternal peace, mercy, and salvation, and may He surround you with strength and comfort during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers, and we wish you patience, health, and moments of peace in the days ahead. With heartfelt sympathy, Khoddam family 23rd July, 2025
Jeff SymonsJohn, I always respected your achievements at CSIRO and valued your friendship. I remember well your decision to resign from a permanent job at CSIRO to a short term and uncertain appointment at Monash University. This was to be the first of many to follow your lead. Liz, we offer our sincere condolences to you and your family. Be proud of John and what he achieved. Sincerely, Jeff and Glenda.23rd July, 2025
Ron DownieOn behalf of all the CSIRO Highett Retirees may I express our sincere condolences to Liz, children Nick and Jenny, and the others of John's wider family upon his passing. John and Liz were valued members of a wonderful CSIRO team at Highett. Fond memories from those days, RIP John. Kind regards Ron Downie 23rd July, 2025
David Lo JaconoI have very fond memories of John and the numerous times we spent together. John had this empathetic character, yet firmly rooted in reality checks. Would always be there to listen and to provide guidance—a role model for many aspects. I am deeply saddened and will always have a special place in my heart to think of and remember John and his family. 22nd July, 2025
David AbramsonJohn was an awesome colleague and professional friend. I was privileged to work with him on both technical projects and administration at Monash. I think we had a special bond as ex CSIRO refugees at Monash. John was softly spoken, smart and knew right from wrong. He made enormous contributions to engineering globally and university administration at Monash. I was very sad to hear he had passed on and wish his family all the best. Remember the good times and treasure his achievements. I am sure John would encourage us all to seize the day.21st July, 2025
Josie CarberryMy first contact with John was as a student in 3rd year fluids. I was drifting through my degree with no real passion for anything but it was this unit that captured me. The class size was well over a hundred and we all felt safely anonymous until our mid sem test: John came in with our marked tests and started handing them back, walking up to each student in the banked lecture theatre. The class noise slowly disappeared as we realised he'd memorised ALL of our names. John was my FYP supervisor, my PhD supervisor and eventually the person on the other end of the phone who offered me a position back at Monash. I remember his passion for teaching, learning and researching. He made time to share these with us - possibly extra time as I think he enjoyed these much more than the admin he was supposed to be completing. I'll also remember him as a fellow runner who did his best to run every lunchtime. There are a couple of things that stick in my mind: early on as I started to turn towards research, he would say that I needed to understand that he didn't have the answers to all my questions. I took this as teaching me that to be a researcher you needed to take ownership of not only of your research questions, but the insecurity that they might be too hard for you, well at least today..... but to stay curious. The second thing was watching him take control of a meeting/discussion. It didn't necessarily need to be within his immediate expertise, but he would find a way to summarise what different parties were saying. When I started with John as a final year project student he was a senior lecturer and by the time I was his postdoc he was acting dean. I watched him battle through leading a sometimes less than harmonious academic department and taking on the difficult task of closing the faculties school at Gippsland. While some parts of the job seemed hard, he was always a people person and always a researcher. I lost touch with John in his final period at Monash. I had long periods of absence, and he retired during one of these. My deepest condolences to Liz, Nick and Jenny. For all John's passion for his work it seemed clear that family was the most important thing for him.21st July, 2025
Chao ChenI am deeply saddened for John’s passing. I have known John since I joined the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Monash in 2007. He was always kind, generous, and thoughtful. I sincerely appreciate his insightful guidance and mentoring in my early career. We also had a few meetings after John’s retirement, when he casually came to Clayton campus. He gave me his personal collection of the masterpiece of Screw Theory by Prof Hunt in one meeting, saying that this would be more valuable to me than to him. His presence always brought warmth and wisdom to every conversation. His passing is an enormous loss to our academic community. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. May we honour his memory by carrying forward the values he so gracefully embodied.17th July, 2025
Chandra ShahI was fortunate to know John socially. Our sons were in the same primary school and played together. John was a lovely person and sometimes gave me a lift back home when I could not ride because of rain. Vale John.17th July, 2025
A N RaoI was fortunate to be mentored by Prof. John during my PhD and postdoctoral time at Monash, having first met him when he taught Research Methods at the start of my candidature. Beyond being the erudite scholar that he was, John was a thoroughly polished gentleman. I will fondly remember him and his ever-encouraging words. I always thought John would have made the perfect Australian version of “The Science Guy”—and he’d have looked rather dapper in a bowtie too. His generosity and kindness always shone through, and I imagine a whole generation of researchers benefited from his wisdom and guidance. To John's family, my deepest sympathies. His memory will live on in the rich academic legacy he leaves behind. Fair winds and following seas, John.17th July, 2025
Samantha LipscombeJohn was a wonderful, caring, kind man. He and Tam made a formidable team who led our Faculty of Engineering with dedication, strength, courage, care and fierce loyalty. Students were at the heart of everything we did. John was also available to provide guidance, support and advice. I remember John sitting opposite me at the other end of the long conference table in Old Engineering on a sweltering day in February 2008, for my interview for Faculty Academic Manager. He smiled warmly and made a joke about the seat I was in being 'the hot seat' and that' today it truly was as the air conditioner was broken'. John was also someone you could count on for calm, sage, informed advice. I remember my years working with him and Tam with great fondness. He will be truly missed but leaves behind a wonderful, enduring legacy.17th July, 2025
David LoganI knew John while I was a Monash undergraduate in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and then encountered him regularly on campus since I came back as a staff member from 2001. I remember him always as a cheerful, helpful presence. He will be missed.17th July, 2025
Shantanu BhatFirst of all, I am deeply saddened to hear about passing of John. I was amongst John's last few PhD students, probably the last overseas student who was supposed to have him as the main supervisor. Not long before I started my PhD, he had declared his retirement. However, he graciously offered to remain on my supervision team. John inspired me to persue experimental work on fluids. The discussions we had on my research on a regular basis were insightful. Although I got less chance to see him personally on a regular basis after his retirement, he always maintained a close contact over email. My wife still remembers meeting him a day before my graduation and he talked about his cute funny memory of his wife's graduation. We had a nice chat that day and my wife kept remembering later how quick-witted and kind gentleman John was beyond his exceptional academic achievements and brilliance. I always remember him in his running attire in the afternoons and was inspired by how active he kept himself. It was certainly a disturbing moment to hear about his passing so soon. My heart goes out to his whole family in this painful situation. Please accept my deepest sympathies. - Shantanu 17th July, 2025

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