It’s with much sadness we report the recent passing of Gillian Davis, former president of the NAV. Gillian joined the NAV in 1977. Gillian and her late husband, John Farringdon-Davis, made substantial contributions to the NAV throughout their time with the Association. Gillian was in turn Secretary, Councillor, and President between 1981 and 1988.
Gillian was also a foundation member of the Numismatic Association of Australia (NAA) and received the Paul Simon Memorial Award, for outstanding contributions to numismatic societies, in 2001.
Possibly her most notable contribution to the NAV was as editor of our newsletter (1981-86) and the Journal, the Australian Numismatists, from 1985 to 1991. She wrote dozens of articles for the Journal over the years and was award the Stan Church Memorial Trophy for original research in 1989.
Gillian was also recognised for her contributions to the journal with the inaugural Jessie Webb award in 2017. For her overall contributions to the Association she was awarded NAV’s highest honour, the Award of Merit, at our December 2019 meeting.
Gillian passed away on the 26th December 2019 surrounded by her loving family.