Vale John Price AM: Leader, mentor, friend, and 'champion for the workers'

TRIBUTES have begun to flow for Dr John Price AM, a Labor Party stalwart with a long list of worthy achievements, described by friends and family as a wonderful mentor, confidante and champion for the workers.

Dr Price was active in the community right up to the day of his death, according to family members who joined well-known Labor Party members in sharing heartfelt farewells.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said Dr Price's contribution to the Hunter extended well beyond his time in Parliament.

"He had crucial governance roles at the University of Newcastle and led the University through a time of extraordinary change," Ms Hornery said.

"John would occasionally phone me just to discuss current events and government policies as well as things occuring around the Hunter.

"I will miss his conversations, advice and encouragement greatly."

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp described Dr Price was "a champion for the workers".

Dr Price was born in 1939 and grew up in Mayfield, attending Mayfield East Public School and Newcastle Technical High School before going on to work as an apprentice fitter and machinist in 1956 at the State Dockyard in Carrington.

He spent many years as a draughtsman, marine engineer and manager in the shipbuilding industry.

He became an MP in 1984 after serving seven years as an alderman of Newcastle City Council, first representing Waratah for the Labor Party from 1984 to 1999, and then Maitland from 1999 to 2007.

He became the first Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in 1999, a post he also retained for eight years.

He served for 24 years on the Newcastle University Council, including time as deputy chancellor and as acting chancellor in 2012-2013.

He also served on many boards and executive roles with youth, educational, church and broadcasting organisations, Mr Crakanthorp said

"I was privileged to launch John's book, Political Indifference and Maritime Policy Failure just last year, and it was always a pleasure to be with John," Mr Crakanthorp said.

A long-time friend and Labor Party colleague, and former Lord Mayor of Newcastle John McNaughton, first met Dr Price through the Scouts in 1963.

He was a very modest man, Mr McNaughton said, who was quiet about his achievements which were "incredibly great".