One of the most significant figures in the commercial life of the Lithgow district in the 20th century, Mr John Eric Bracey, died in Sydney on Saturday.
Mr Bracey, who was 85 years of age, was living in retirement at Vaucluse at the time of his death.
He was the third generation of a family that for decades and until very recent times conducted one of the oldest major department store businesses in regional NSW.
Mr Bracey was the grandson of Major HES Bracey who began the retail dynasty in 1886, continuing as a vital force in the day to day life of Lithgow until the fourth generation of the family retired from business life two years ago.
Over his years at the helm John Bracey headed a firm involved in everything from a general retail department store, to hardware and whitegoods to the motor trade (the Bracey family operated the Ford dealership now owned by the Doonan family).
Mr Bracey was born in February 1923 at the family home in Lithgow, the son of Eric and Mona Bracey.
His early education was at Cooerwull School before he was enrolled at Sydney’s Shore College.
He entered the family business in 1938.
In World War II Mr Bracey enlisted in the AIF and served with the 2/52nd Regiment as a member of heavy anti aircraft units, at first on the installations at Scenic Hill and Bowenfels guarding the Small Arms Factory and coal mines then soon transferred to action in Dutch New Guinea, Bougainville and Rabaul.
Later as Lieutenant Bracey he was assigned to 141 Battery in Bougainvillea.
After peace was declared he continued in the Army assisting with the operation of a military hospital in New Guinea until discharge in 1946.
That same year he married Margaret Brooks, beginning a 62 year partnership.
Mr Bracey took over the running of the family business after the retirement of his father in 1956.
Away from his business interests Mr Bracey was a member of the synods of St Paul’s Anglican Church, a member of the Hassans Walls, Zig Zag, and Lithgow Cemetery Trusts, Lithgow Legacy and an active golfer.
After retirement in 1975 Mr Bracey moved to Vaucluse and began a long administrative association with Sydney Legacy, continuing this role until his death.
Mr Bracey is survived by his wife, Margaret; sons David (Cargo), Gordon (Dora Creek) and Bill (Vaucluse); daughters Barbara Tighe (Balgowlah) and Diana (Vaucluse); and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at St Mark’s Anglican Church, Darling Point, this afternoon.