John Lamble ('47)

R. John Lamble

John Lamble was Dux of Trinity in 1947, as well as representing Trinity at the highest level in cricket, Rugby and athletics. He was also Vice-Captain of the School.  His strength of character was shown when, in order to keep his place as breakaway in the 1st XI, on several mornings per week he made his way to school to join the seven boarders who made up the rest of the forward pack for scrummaging practice at 6.00 am.

He proceeded to Sydney University, where he became a much-valued member of the cricket club.  He played most of his games as Captain of the 4th grade side where he provided a very welcome degree of leadership, stability and competitiveness for a team beset by constant changes of personnel.  John was elected as a Vice-President of the Sydney University Cricket Club in 1957, a position he held until his death. Since 1999 the club has bestowed the “John Lamble Award” on the season’s most outstanding captain.

John was a giant of the insurance industry.  When appointed, he was the youngest CEO of Lumley Insurance.  From 1968 to 1987 he held the post of General Manager of NRMA Insurance and from 1987to 1992 that of CEO of NRMA Group.  He then served on the boards of many companies before becoming the inaugural Chairman of Suncorp Metway. For services to the insurance industry he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia.  In 2017 he received the “ANZIIF Lifetime Achievement Award.”  Highlights of his business career included developing a statistical approach to pricing insurance and introducing Plain English Insurance policy wordings.  The latter sprang from his firm belief in the primacy of the customer.

Of the many recipients of John’s financial and personal support the Sydney Eisteddfod was probably the one to which he was closest.  The current Chairman wrote of John, ”His tireless efforts in fundraising and advocacy helped us to reach new heights….His generosity and kindness touched the lives of the countless young performers at the Sydney Eisteddfod who had the honour of working with him.”

John was a family patriarch, business leader, philanthropist and mentor who inspired all who knew him.