07/09/2026
VALE JON MAYNE | 1938–2026
The Massive Murray Paddle would like to recognise and remember Jon Mayne, who passed away on 14 August 2026.
Jon was one of those remarkable people whose life in paddling helped build the foundations of the sport and the events we are fortunate to enjoy today.
He was also a significant part of the history of our great race.
A three-time winner of the Murray Marathon, Jon competed during an era that helped establish the reputation, tradition and spirit of this extraordinary event on the Murray River.
His achievements across Australian canoeing were equally remarkable.
Jon began paddling with Fairfield Canoe Club in 1952 and went on to win 38 Australian Championships, 72 Victorian titles, 25 Masters gold medals and several World Masters titles.
But perhaps even more important was everything he gave back.
Jon served his club as Commodore and President, organised marathon and sprint events, coached and mentored paddlers, volunteered extensively and became a familiar voice as a race commentator for Australian canoeing for more than 40 years.
In 2000, he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in recognition of his enormous contribution to the sport.
At the Massive Murray Paddle, we are incredibly grateful for people like Jon.
Our event has now been running for more than half a century, and we are very conscious that what we have today was built by generations of dedicated paddlers, officials, volunteers, clubs and supporters who gave their time, energy and passion to the Murray Marathon.
Jon Mayne was one of those people.
We are simply the current custodians of a great event with a remarkable history, and it is important that we continue to remember and celebrate the people who helped create it.
Jon once said:
“I have a unique record in that I have never kicked a footy or hit a cricket ball in my life. I wagged school on sports days as paddling was much more fun.”
That lifelong love of paddling says plenty about the man.
To Jon’s family, friends, the Fairfield Canoe Club community and the generations of paddlers who knew, raced with and learned from him, we extend our condolences.
Thank you, Jon, for everything you gave to paddling — and for the part you played in the history of the Murray Marathon.
Vale Jon Mayne — 1938–2026.
Thank you to Diane Parsonage for bringing Jon’s passing to our attention and for putting together this wonderful video tribute.
