'Mr Honda' retires

John Gadellaa, respectfully known in the West Australian marine industry as ‘The Man from Honda’ is stepping down from a company he has dedicated most of his working life to.

This weekend’s Hillary’s Boat, Dive and Fishing show is a fitting place for his marine colleagues to say farewell to Mr Gadellaa after his 50 years serving the industry.

As a board member of the Boating Industry Association of WA and Boat Show Committee member, Mr Gadellaa has been instrumental in organising the Perth International and Hillarys boat shows for decades. 

He also played a major role in promoting Honda’s Over the Top Prostate Cancer research marathon boat expedition in 2011 by West Australian cancer survivor Peter Jenkins and his brother Phillip in their Gemini inflatable hardtop powered by twin Honda 225hp outboards.

While locals affectionately call him ‘Mr Honda,’ he can’t claim that title because it’s the name of his Japanese boss Soichiro Honda, founder of the Honda empire. But for most in the marine industry in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory when you think Honda you think of John Gadellaa. His role as State Manager covered all three regions.

Irrespective of what brand of marine outboard you might prefer, Mr Gadellaa has won the respect of marine dealers Australia-wide not only for his contribution to the industry through Honda Australia, but also as a long time member of the BIAWA which includes six years on the board.

Mr Gadellaa, aged 68, officially retires at the end of March and the end of the Japanese financial year. His replacement is expected to be announced soon by Honda Australia.

With his wife Hillary of 47 years, Mr Gadellaa plans to head to Broome where the couple has religiously spent the winter in their caravan at Cable Beach.

These days John does not own a boat but is often seen relaxing at Rottnest on the rear deck of his daughter Heidi’s luxury cruiser, a Princess 60.