Sir John Thyne Reid a prominent figure in Australian business and philanthropy. He was born in Randwick Sydney. His father was involved with James Hardie & Co. This company manufactured Fibrolite an asbestos-based product. Sir John worked for the company eventually becoming chairman. He also served on the board of Mercantile Credits Pty Ltd.
He was a complex man. Sir John was known for his strong principles and reliance on a man’s word. He also presided over a company that produced asbestos. He and his colleagues downplayed the dangers of asbestos. They resisted early compensation claims from victims. This became a major problem later on for James Hardie and his son John Boyd Reid.
Despite this Sir John was highly respected for his philanthropy. He established the John T Reid Charitable Trusts. These trusts supported Victorian and Australian causes. He was involved in numerous organisations. These included the Australian Broadcasting Commission the Melbourne Young Men’s Christian Association and the Victorian Symphony Orchestra. He received numerous awards and honours. He was appointed CMG and knighted. He received honorary degrees from the University of Melbourne and the Victoria Institute of Colleges.
Sir John’s life is a reminder that even great figures can have complex legacies. His contributions to business and philanthropy are undeniable. Yet his association with the asbestos industry casts a long shadow. The Thyne name in Sydney connects us to this compelling and multifaceted story. His life shows the importance of acknowledging both the good and the bad in a person’s past. He died in Kew Melbourne in 1984. His story is a fascinating study of a man of his time.