John David MOIR AM (48) was born on 20 June 1930 and attended Scotch College from 1937-47. A member of the winning 1946 Head of the River crew, he was a member of the 1946 VIII. Perhaps he had inherited his grandfather George's sporting genes, George attended Scotch from 1890-94 and was a member of the premiership 1893 and 1894 1St XI, the 1893 Ist XVIII and the premiership in 1982 and 1984. George died on 1955 and was the second generation of the Moir families legal firm.
Johns participated in sports throughout his life, from excelling at squash Championships, tennis, golf and sailing.
Following school John studied law at he University of Melbourne and commenced a 40 year career in lw as an article clerk with Gillot Moir and Ahern. IN 1961 he became senior partner of Gillott Moir and Ahern, subsequently Gillott Moir and Winneke and ultimately Gillotts. John stood down and became a consultant with Minter Ellison in 1988 where he played an integral role in the merger of Minter Simpson and Ellison Hewison and Whitehead.
Hard working and a diligent lawyer with great integrity, during his time with Gillotts the firm grew in size and standing. His clients included the Herald Weekly Times and The VFL/AFL.
In addition to practising law John sat on boards of compaies and community based organizations, including serving as a Director and Chairman of the YMCA, President of the Baker Medical Research institute, president of the Rotarty Club Melbourne, Vice President of the Australian Red Cross, Board member of the National Australia Trustee Company and many others. His involvement in such organisations and the manner in which he was able to contribute to the community gave him great satisfaction, particularly he meeting and getting to know people from different fields and backgrounds.
In 1991 John was award the Member of the Order of Australia for service to the community. The Rotary Club of Melbourne made him a Paul Harris Fellow in 1982 and in 2003 was awarded life membership for his contribution to Rotary. John's life service concluded with his death on November 10 2006.
A Legal Dynasty - Establishment Melbourne (Background)
Each generation of the establishment family has made its mark on Melbourne. George Moir - initially from Scotland was admitted to the Supreme Court in 1895; his son Mr George Allen Moir, was admitted to the court in 1901, Mr Alan John Moir was chairman of the Moonee Valley Racing Club and a director of David Syme and Co (The Age). The A.J. Moir stakes is named after Alan. John Moir was senior partner at Gillott's Moir and Winneke and played an integral part in the merger with Minter Eliison in the late 1980's. Carolyn Joy Moir (Cameron) was admitted to the court in 1988 and brother John in 1990. Of today's generation, making her the 6th in succession is Camille Davis who was admitted in 2014.