Former businessman and Carlton president John Elliot has been remembered as a “big, colourful” character who never lost the common touch.
Mr Elliott, who served as Carlton FC president from 1983 to 2002 and was a former president of the federal Liberal party, was farewelled during a memorial service on Friday, following his death from a short illness last September.
His larrikin spirit was celebrated fittingly at Carlton’s Princes Park, his favourite place to watch his beloved almighty Blues play the game he loved.
It was also where his supporters relished in calling out “pigs a**”, a crude phrase attributed to Mr Elliott, who later claimed he’d never said it.
Friend Norm Huon, who attended university with Mr Elliott, described him as a man who could walk with kings but never lose the common touch.
“He had extraordinary self confidence and was very good with people,” he said in a video tribute played to the service.
“I never ever saw John uncomfortable in any social situation.
“In the last 20 years he went through some troubled times, but I never heard him complain or play the victim.”
Mr Elliott was a high-profile businessman and had several brushes with corporate regulators.
In 1990, he quit Elders IXL, the former jam company he turned into Australia’s biggest brewery, which is now an iconic agribusiness.
Long-time business associate Geoffrey Lord said Mr Elliott transformed Australian commerce, putting the country on the map and taking Fosters to the world.
“He was an outstanding character, he was big in every way. A very energetic man. His enthusiasm was overwhelming,” he said.
“He loved a beer, so he went out and bought CUB.
“He loved a meat pie, so he went and bought Elders pastoral, which had lamb and beef.
“He did love a party, so why not take the Liberals?”
Mr Lord said while Mr Elliott was a man of many moods, he could be humble and self-deprecating.
He was a wonderful leader and a “doer” when most people would just dream about it.
“He’d probably be that man in a million, good or bad, whatever you think,” he said.
“But an exceptional man — big, colourful.
“We salute you, John, and well done.”
Daughter Alexandra Elliott said her father loved sport, loved to win and loved to bet on it.
He had an enduring loyalty and passion for Carlton, with football bringing the family together in his busy life and Princes Park looming large in her childhood memories.
He was never happier than belting out the Blues theme song after a win, which was played to the service, she said.
Ms Elliott said her father’s most serious parental mandate was to “always do your best, always vote Liberal and always barrack for Carlton”.
Mr Elliott was the Federal president of the Liberal Party from 1987-1990 and a Liberal Party member for more than 30 years.
During his time at helm of Carlton, the Blues scored two premierships in 1987 and 1995.
Elliott was voted out as club president after the 2002 AFL season when the club was found to have breached salary cap regulations, which led to almost $1m in fines and other sanctions.
Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett said Mr Elliott was an iconic figure in Victorian public life who was able to mix with the common man.
“He’d walk around here and everyone would know him and everyone would respect him,” he said.
“It’s true, he like the rest of us, made mistakes. But he never ever badmouthxjmtzywed anyone, he never blamed anyone. He accepted responsibility.
“He was a bloody big rough diamond.
“What he’s left is a legacy you can’t deny.”
A photo montage highlighted Mr Elliott’s roles in the worlds of football, business and politics.
Former Victorian premiers Jeff Kennett and Ted Baillieu, state Opposition leader Matthew Guy and federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg were among the guests who attended the service.
Mr Elliott leaves behind second wife Amanda, former partner Joanne, his four children Tom, Caroline, Edward and Alexandra, and their families.
