Mick Fanning’s Heartfelt Farewell to His Father, John
Legendary Australian surfer Mick Fanning has shared a deeply moving tribute to his late father, John Joseph Fanning, who recently passed away. The three-time world champion took to Instagram on Saturday to remember his dad, describing him as a “larrikin till his last days.”
John Fanning, a father of five and grandfather of eight, considered his children and grandchildren his proudest achievements. Mick’s heartfelt post painted a vivid picture of a man who was full of life and deeply loved by his family and friends.
“Fly High Dad… John Joseph Fanning,” Mick wrote, his words resonating with a profound sense of love and loss. He continued to describe his father’s vibrant personality, noting his penchant for being the “Court Jester and Master of Ceremonies” at local watering holes, never shy to entertain.
Mick fondly recalled his father’s dedication to his children, stating, “I know he always did his best for all us kids.” He particularly highlighted the joy John experienced when his grandchildren visited, noting how they would “always light up and become 20 years younger.”
The tribute continued with Mick imagining his father’s eternal journey: “I know you’ll have your shirt, pants and boots looking sharp as you venture the universe with your giant smile and infectious laugh.” He expressed immense gratitude for the life lessons, love, guidance, and honesty his father provided. “I know you’ll always be with me and I’ll always celebrate you. Love you Dad,” he concluded.
Fanning’s touching words garnered widespread support from the Australian sporting community. Esteemed figures such as swimming great Michael Klim, NRL star Daine Laurie, and AFL legend Lance Franklin were among those who offered their condolences and praise. The global surfing community also rallied around Mick, with fellow champions Kelly Slater, Taj Burrow, and Stephanie Gilmore sharing their love and support.
While the cause of John Fanning’s death has not been publicly disclosed, it is known that he, along with Mick’s mother Elizabeth, emigrated to Australia from Ireland. John’s passing adds to a series of profound tragedies that have deeply affected the Fanning family over the years.
Mick Fanning, himself famously known for surviving a harrowing shark encounter in South Africa in 2015, has endured significant loss. His brother, Sean, tragically died in a car accident in 1998 at the age of 20. Another brother, Peter, also lost his life in a car crash in 2015, at the age of 43. More recently, in March 2024, Mick’s brother Edward passed away in Madagascar due to complications arising from an infected cut on his foot.
Mick himself has spoken candidly about the immense toll these tragedies have taken on him. In 2020, he reflected on the devastating impact of 2015, a year marked by his divorce, the shark incident, and the loss of his brother. “I was just totally empty at the end of it. I was done,” he admitted, describing a period of profound despair where he felt he had “nothing to give.” He confessed to feeling an emptiness he had never experienced before, leading him to withdraw and isolate himself.
Following Edward’s passing, Mick shared another poignant tribute to his brother. He spoke of Edward’s significant influence, stating, “You taught me so much over the years about everything that life could deal up. The good and the bad you were my teacher.” Mick credited Edward with introducing him and his siblings to surfing, instilling in them the “joy and freedom of riding a wave.” He also acknowledged Edward’s passion for chasing waves and the belief that surfing could be a fulfilling career. Mick’s tribute highlighted Edward’s enduring talent and his later dedication to teaching children the joy of surfing, concluding with a heartfelt “Without you I’m not sure what the world would of made of me so Thank you.”
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