09/17/2026
All of us at MIR International Rubber Weekend are sending our thoughts to the Melbourne rubber community today. Yesterday we were informed that Melbourne Rubberman 2017, John Cheshire, died suddenly and unexpectedly. John was the second person to hold the Melbourne title, and placed as 1st runner up at MIR21: Squeakeasy.
John was a kind soul, always had a great story to tell, and was generous to everyone he met. John was not a "weekend latex lover", he wore latex almost every day as a regular part of his wardrobe. He had a magnetic stage presence, due in part to his years as an actor in various Melbourne community theaters and stage productions. He was also a public servant, working for 30 years in the Victorian social services.
Our thoughts are with John's many friends, family and community members. May memories of happier days sustain you all through these difficult days.
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