John Robert Weiland was born in Hiroshima, Japan, on 23 July 1949 to Reginald John (Reno) and Eiko Weiland. He completed his secondary education at Scotch College, WA, before attending the West Australian Institute of Technology, gaining an Associateship of Australian Public Relations. John was employed as a Public Relations Consultant with Fortune P. R. Consultants before entering the Army as National Serviceman 534320 on 27 September with the 4th Intake in 1972.
At this time, John was already a Lieutenant with the Citizen Military Force. He commenced OTU on 15 October with 4 Platoon, Monash Company. When National Service was cancelled from 5 December 1972, John opted to continue in the Army. In his Senior Term, John was the Monash Platoon Colour Sergeant. He graduated with Class 4/72 on 18 April 1973 and allocated to the Public relations Corps. By early 1974 he was posted to HQ 3rd Military District (Melbourne) as a Staff Officer Grade 4 (PR). He continued serving in the Army for many years, retiring with a PHd and the rank of Colonel. It was said of John: “He loved his soldiers, and his soldiers loved him.” John was the brother of Janet (and later brother-in-law of Gary) and Glenn (deceased).
His beloved life partner was Janene and he was a proud and loving father to Philippa, Alexandra and Nicolette. John was a loved uncle of Mika, Riya and Sian, and a grand-uncle to Winston. He died on 30 August 2022 in Brisbane. John’s funeral was held at the Mount Gravatt Cemetery on 3 September 2022 and was followed by a gathering at The United Service Club.