‘Attenborough of Reef’ leaves strong legacy
WORLD- LEADING conservationist and “pioneer in thought and actions” John Rumney is being remembered for his unwavering dedication to preserving the Great Barrier Reef.
Mr Rumney, who died on Saturday aged 71, was often referred to as the “David Attenborough of the Reef”, such was his passion for the global icon.
He received an Australian Geographic lifetime of conservation award in 2019 and was crowned the Douglas Shire’s citizen of the year in 2017.
Most recently he founded the Great Barrier Reef Legacy organisation — a fitting name for a man who leaves behind a powerful one.
GBR Legacy co-founder and friend Dean Miller said Mr Rumney’s legacy would “last forever”. “Today we celebrate a humble man who achieved larger-than-life goals — a loving family man, great colleague, inspiring mentor, and the most loyal and genuine friend,” he said.
“An adventurer at heart, a conservationist by nature, and one of the world’s great leaders who valued those around him.”
Dr Miller said his mentor was fascinated “beyond belief” by every detail of the natural world and understood the processes that drove its systems.
A native of the US, Mr Rumney moved to Port Douglas three decades ago and quickly fell in love with the natural assets of the region, in particular the Reef.
Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Toni Childs, who visited Mr Rumney in Port Douglas in August, said she was grateful to share some “beautiful moments”. “Thank you John for being you,” she told more than 30,000 of her fans on Facebook.
Australian Geographic described Mr Rumney as “a true pioneer of eco-tourism of the Great Barrier Reef and one of the region’s great characters”.
He is survived by his wife, Linda, and three daughters, Shannon, Jenna and Nikki and grandchildren, all of whom shared his passion for the natural wonders of the world.