John Colin Padget's Obituary
John Colin Padget lived a life defined by hard work, deep love for family, curiosity, craftsmanship, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to those he cared for.
John was born to Colin Arthur Padget (1935–1982) and Hazel Margaret Padget (née Knecht) (1933–2024). He was the second born among five siblings: Dianne, Paul, Vicki, and Julie. He attended St. Anthony’s Primary School from 1960 to 1966 and St. Mary’s Boys College from 1966 to 1970.
At the age of sixteen, John left school to begin a trade—an option available in Australia at the time. Later in life, determined to further his education, he returned to complete his high school studies at night before earning his associate degree. His persistence and strong work ethic were hallmarks of his character throughout his life.
John began a Fitter and Turner apprenticeship with the Toowoomba Railway in 1971, completing it between 1972 and 1976. In 1977, he met his first wife, Patricia (Trisha) Van Hilst. In 1979, the couple moved to Holland, where they lived for five years and welcomed three children: Daniel, Dustin, and Sascha. Following the tragic accidental death of John’s father in 1982, the family returned to Australia so John could support his mother. Their youngest child, Mariska, was later born, completing the family.
John resumed work with the railway in Toowoomba before transferring to Rockhampton in 1985. There, the family purchased a very old Queenslander house on stilts. John devoted countless evenings and weekends to restoring and expanding the home—adding rooms, building a back deck, constructing a striking double staircase, installing stained glass throughout the upper level, and refinishing furniture. He loved reading how-to books and then putting that knowledge into practice, taking great pride in turning a house into a home.
Trisha devoted herself to caring for injured wildlife, and John supported her fully building large bird enclosures and fencing the yard for animals in recovery. Tragically, Trisha lost her life after contracting rabies while caring for an injured flying fox, a loss that profoundly affected John and his children.
Years later, John met his wife, Laurie, online in a 40s chat room—one Laurie had visited only once. She was drawn to a photo of John with his four children and the love he so clearly had for them. Their connection grew through shared values and interests, including music, books, the outdoors, camping, hiking, and family. Their relationship was nurtured over years of handwritten letters—often ten to fifty pages long—shared music, recorded tapes, and long phone calls. Writing was John’s preferred way of communicating and remained so throughout his life.
John traveled to Salt Lake City to meet Laurie and her family, and together they created cherished memories traveling to Jackson Hole, rafting, and camping in Yellowstone. Laurie later traveled to Australia, and the two went back and forth between countries for several years before marrying in Hawaii, followed by a twelve-day cruise through the islands. They later purchased a home together in Midvale, Utah. Laurie spent eight months living in Rockhampton by the beach, allowing John to take early retirement from the railway.
After returning to Utah, John worked for Progressive Rail in a physically demanding outdoor role, a significant change from his earlier indoor work. He later joined an international engineering firm specializing in water treatment, working as a field service technician repairing massive clarifiers around the world. Known for his exceptional work ethic, John often outperformed colleagues decades younger than himself.
While working in Minnesota during extreme winter conditions, John suffered severe frostbite to both hands and ultimately lost three fingers on each hand. He faced this life-altering hardship with remarkable courage and resilience. In later years, John also lived with the gradual progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
John was never one to sit still. He was thoughtful, caring, and quietly funny. He showed love through action—carrying groceries and suitcases, washing dishes late at night, hanging laundry to dry, and never allowing Laurie to carry bags due to her back issues. Together, John and Laurie traveled extensively, including many trips to Australia to visit family. On one visit, Laurie felt a strong sense that they needed to go, making that time together especially meaningful. Eight months before his passing, they returned to Moab and Zion, enjoying light hikes and treasured time outdoors.
John is survived by his loving wife, Laurie; his children Daniel and Emily (children Jasmine and Evie), Dustin and Monica (child Brin), Sascha and Brett (children Hunter and Tully), and Mariska (child Xavier). He is also survived by his beloved bonus children Asia; Ryan and Tiffany Young (children Stockton, Sloane, Caroline, and Callum); and Christian and Kassandra Young (children Kaleigh, Connor, and Dean). He is further survived by his siblings Dianne and Graham, Paul and Natha, Vicki and Ron, and Julie and Mark. He was preceded in death by his parents, Colin and Hazel Padget, and his bonus son, Jason Young.
John Colin Padget will be remembered for his strength, craftsmanship, quiet humor, generosity, and deep devotion to family. His legacy of hard work, love, and resilience will live on in all who knew and loved him.
In accordance with John’s wishes, no funeral services will be held.
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