The builder behind Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital and several major retirement village projects has been remembered for his vision and love of the Hunter Region.
He passed away, surrounded by family and friends on Queensland's Gold Coast, at 1pm on Friday, after a 12-month battle with aggressive motor neurone disease (MND).
Jeff, who was Newcastle Lord Mayor from 2012 to 2014, chose to end his life through voluntary assisted dying – a decision he openly discussed in his final interview with the Newcastle Herald last week.
"I've had a great run, I really have," he said.
"I am grateful to have shared my life with some wonderful people, but my body has deteriorated to the point where I have now reached the end."
Jeff grew up in Belmont, 20km from Newcastle's CBD, and gained a degree in Civil Engineering from Newcastle University. In the late 1970s, he joined the Belmont-based construction company founded by his father, Don, before taking over the reins in the mid-80s.
As the Chairman of the McCloy Group, he oversaw significant residential, commercial, and retirement living projects across Newcastle and the Hunter region. He nominated the construction of the John Hunter Hospital as his proudest professional achievement.
In the 1990s, Jeff led the company through a major diversification, steering it toward real estate investment and master planned community development. The McCloy Group went on to play a significant role in shaping Newcastle’s growth corridor, including in the retirement living sector.
He formally stepped down as Chairman in January this year.
Jeff is survived by his five children – Charlie, Louise, William, Hayley and Blake – and eight grandchildren.
