Tributes for Melbourne millionaire who passed away at just 48
Melbourne rich-lister and property tycoon Jonathan Hallinan has passed away, aged 48, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Tributes are pouring in for the entrepreneur who left a lasting mark on the industry as well as on the hearts of Melbourne’s elite.
The founder and managing director of BPM Corporation had hoped to be part of a cancer drug trial, but was given the bad news just days before he passed at Royal Melbourne Hospital on March 23, his wife Mikka said.
Hallinan had been battling with bone marrow cancer for two years after a bone marrow transplant in 2021.
Mikka shared the news of his death, confirming he died as a “crazy thunderstorm” passed over Melbourne.
“Three days ago, his doctor broke it to him that with a bacterial bug, chest infection, fevers of 39C+ and overall unwellness from the level of his disease in his body, he wouldn’t be making the drug trial he was aiming for,” she said.
“There was such a crazy thunderstorm yesterday morning in Melbourne. The darkest thunder and lightning, out of nowhere and as fast as it arrived, it left a clear sky behind.
“If you saw it, know it was the sky announcing to the heavens that Jonathan Hallinan was coming. Jonnie passed in the storm yesterday morning. In his own words, Jonnie said he was going home.”
In December 2022, Hallinan wrote of his “latest setback”.
“Recovery is taking absolutely all the strength I’ve got left, and I have nothing to give anyone else,” he wrote.
“It is important for me to preserve all remaining energy for myself and my family.”
Hallinan, who came in at 199 in Australia’s Richest 250 in 2019, with a reported net worth of $650 million, had only two days to share “beautiful goodbyes with his close family, kids and I,” Mikka said.
Hallinan had two sons and a daughter, Estelle, who emphasised his lengthy hard-fought battle with cancer, taking to Instagram to share an emotional tribute “I already miss you so much, Dad. I know how hard you fought these past few years, and I’m so proud of you. I will always love you so much.
Tributes flowed from fellow industry players and Melbourne’s elite.
“Deeply saddened by this news,” Wog Boys actor and comedian Nick Giannopoulos wrote.
“Jonathon was a fighter and incredibly brave — he fought it until he could not fight it anymore. A real gentleman. A good bloke. A very generous man who loved and adored his family and close friends. Rest in peace, Jonathon,” he said.
Fellow property developer Diana Cassar wrote, “With you gone, our industry, and the world as a whole, have lost one of the most remarkable minds, an unstoppable achiever and one of the most creative leaders I’ve happened to meet on my way here in Melbourne.”
“I will never forget that beautiful smile and charisma that would light up a room. The most kind and generous soul,” Vogue writer Emmaleine Savio said.
Actress Natassia Halabi shared an emotional tribute, writing, “We’re going to miss him beyond words. So beautiful being witness to his relationship with you and his kids. His legacy will forever live on with you guys.”
“So privileged to have been your friend. Thanks for the wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. I will never forget you and how much you meant to me, my good mate.” Hallinan’s friend Carl Charambous wrote.
Reality TV personality from season three of The Bachelor, Sam Wood wrote in reference to Hallinan’s passing during the intense thunderstorm.
“Oh I felt it. Both the storm and the impact. What an incredible man,” he said.
Image credit: Instagram