Vale Sam Chisholm
Samuel Chisholm
(1939-2018)
17 July 2018
It is with great fondness and a heavy heart that we remember Samuel Hewlings Chisholm, who passed away after a short battle with illness, aged 78.
Mr Chisholm served on the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute’s Board of Directors from 2000-2007, working closely with the former NSW Premier and Chairman of the Board, The Hon. Neville Wran, as well as fellow Board members, Ros Packer, John Laws and Mark Johnson.
Having spent four decades working in media, including 15 years as the boss of the Nine Network, Mr Chisholm was also a long-time mentor to James Packer, and was in large part responsible for recruiting Mr Packer to work with Mr Steven Lowy on a capital campaign for the Victor Chang Institute’s new building that opened in 2008.
A key player during the Victor Chang Institute’s formative days, Sam was an outstanding salesman, with a warm, persuasive nature. But he was also a force to be reckoned with, and the word “no” was not in his vocabulary! He was a strong advocate for medical research and was instrumental in securing vital funds for the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, as well as many other medical organisations.
In 2013 Mr Chisholm was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia for his service to medical research in Australia.
Over the years, he and his wife Sue formed a close bond with the Victor Chang Institute’s Executive Director, Professor Bob Graham, particularly during the period when he was suffering from severe respiratory disease due to an inherited lung problem.
Sam Chisholm with Neville Wran at the Victor Chang Ball
“Sam was unstoppable, he was a larger-than-life character who made his mark and in so doing enriched our lives. I still remember visiting him at his home on many Sundays while he was waiting for a lung transplant,” Prof Graham revealed.
“We grew very close and I am filled with immense sadness that Sam is no longer with us.
Sam and Sue were responsible for introducing many media luminaries at numerous fundraising functions and opened the doors to securing important media support for the Victor Chang Institute, for which I am most grateful”, Prof Graham continued.
“To his much-loved family, including his dedicated wife, Sue, and his beautiful daughter, and grandchildren, I offer our most sincere condolences. Sam will be missed, but never forgotten.”
Acknowledgement of Country
The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
