Jaycar Electronics Group – Media Announcement
From the VK-DMR group:
Jaycar founder Gary Johnston dies
From: Doug VK2XLJ
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2021 15:07:29 PST
Jaycar founder and managing director Gary Johnston has died after being diagnosed with
mesothelioma, a type of cancer, two weeks ago.
The 71-year-old multimillionaire founded the electronics retailer in 1981 and it has grown to 146
stores in Australia and New Zealand.
Jaycar Electronics Group chief executive Michael Newsom confirmed on Thursday that Mr
Johnston “had passed away after a short illness” on Wednesday afternoon.
“The Group has a strong management team in place to continue Gary’s unique legacy and it is
business as usual as we remember Gary and all he has achieved, not only in retailing but in his
many other pursuits and philanthropic interests.”
Mesothelioma is a cancer affecting the mesothelial cells, covering most internal organs, and the
only known risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
According to the Cancer Council, it has a five-year survival rate of 6 per cent.
“We are deeply saddened by Gary’s sudden and untimely passing and we send our deepest
condolences to his wife and four children."