John Michael LOVETT (1943-2003)

It is with deep sorrow to inform that President John Michael LOVETT passed away peacefully today at 14:30 on the 30th of October at a hospital in Melbourne, Australia from multiple myeloma, which is a blood cancer.  He was surrounded by his close family.

John LOVETT, 6th president of CISS, was born in Melbourne, Australia on 10 July 1943.  He first became involved with CISS and DEAFLYMPICS when he represented Australia at CISS Congress in Berchtesgaden, Germany in 1967.  This experience had opened his eyes to the world of international deaf sports.

In 1981, he was elected to CISS Executive Committee and immediately appointed 2nd vice president.  Then in 1985, he became 1st vice president and ascended to the presidency in 1995, until his death.

John’s outstanding work had been recognized by the Australian Government with the award of Membership of the Order of Australia (A.M.) and by Gallaudet University with the Edward Miner Gallaudet Award.  In addition, he was also awarded the CISS medal of Honour (silver in 1985 and gold in 1993) for his outstanding services to CISS.

The whole CISS/DEAFLYMPICS community sends deepest condolences to wife, Jill and two sons, Craig and Ewan and three grandchildren.