From riding a horse bareback to school in Pirron Yallock to jetting off on international trips, John has witnessed a great deal over his 90 years.
The eldest of seven children to Neil and Kath Vagg, John left high school at 14 to return home and milk cows, a job he loved.
He was a pioneering member of the Pirron Yallock football team in 1953, as was his late friend Bill Whitecross, whom John recalled fondly at his birthday celebrations.
“We were known as ‘Billy’ and ‘Blue Train’,” he said.
“I have been very fortunate to have many friends and mates: to share adventures and stories together, many fun times, a beer or two, and, in more recent years, a good cup of cappuccino.”
During a coastal holiday with Bill in Lorne, John met the girl of his dreams, Margot, whom he married in 1960 and has shared a life with ever since.
John and his family made the move to Echuca in the early 1960s for him to work as a broad-acre and stock farmer.
The Echuca Football Club welcomed them “with open arms”, and John began playing alongside his brother Bob and cousin Lance Ryan, who was another close friend.
Vagg family members later took on secretary and president positions at the club, and John’s five children would go on to join as players.
“They were great years through my life, watching all my sons play and Christina (John’s daughter) playing netball for the Bombers,” he said.
“As the years progressed, another lot of good mates and I took over running the footy ‘hot dog’ van, having plenty of fun, banter and the odd punt.”
He volunteered at the van for 20 years, and also gave his time to Vinnies for around 15 years.
Outside of footy, John has enjoyed playing tennis, social squash, lawn bowls and golf, and counts fishing, duck shooting and gardening among his hobbies.
He also had stints around town working at the ice works, fixing lawn mowers and small motors, and was the owner of Vagg’s Barnyard Chicken at the Port of Echuca.
Over the past decade, he has enjoyed the company of his friends over weekly cups of coffee, and a monthly ‘Sunday sippers’ catch-up through his Probus club.
“I have seen, experienced and lived much in my 90 years, and I feel truly blessed and thank God every day for my family, my faith, my health and my wife,” John said.
John and Margot have five children — Kevin, Christina, Anthony, Stephen and Mark — 16 grandchildren and a further five great-grandchildren.
“They have brought us much love, and I feel truly blessed,” John said.
16°C