Kevin John Noonan, a Bundaberg-born plumber’s son who became a well-known international marine insurance specialist, has passed away at 88.
Based in Brisbane, Noonan (pictured) was a national marine manager at Arthur J Gallagher Insurance Brokers (AJG) until 2021. He passed away on Friday, December 30, after a short illness.
Noonan initially sought to become an industrial chemist, spending eight years with Shell until 1959, when he moved to Commercial Union, where he started his journey to becoming a leading marine underwriter. After nearly a decade with the company and achieving the status of Queensland marine manager, he moved to Lumley Insurance and then SGIO (now Suncorp) with the same title.
After 15 years at SGIO, Noonan became the general manager of several insurance broking firms from 1986 to 1995. He returned to underwriting in 1995, joining Suncorp as national marine manager and then QBE Mercantile Mutual with the same title. He joined AJG in 2010.
For over 50 years, Noonan was an adviser to Lloyd’s of London and many maritime professionals on marine risks and losses. He was responsible for insuring Australian-built, high-speed vehicle and passenger ferries and was key in placing insurance for Australian-built defence craft, including the Collins Class submarines. He also placed and led covers for port and terminal authorities throughout Australia and the South Pacific region.
An outstanding marine insurance leader, Noonan was Australia’s first underwriter to insure the construction of marinas and insured the floating hotel Fantasy Island (previously based at Brewer Reef off Townsville) and other marine structures, including aquaculture fish pens. He was a regular visitor to Lloyd’s and the London market and represented Australia on the International Union of Marine Insurance.
Moreover, Noonan served as the inaugural president of the Brisbane Insurance Club, was an active participant in the Australian & New Zealand Institute of Insurance & Finance discussion groups, and lectured in marine insurance at TAFE and other institutions.
Despite his accomplishments, Noonan was a quiet person who sought no recognition, but was renowned as a loyal friend and mentor to many. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Maureen; his daughters, Gail, Deanne, and Yvette; six grandchildren; and his younger brother, Geoff.
He will be remembered at a life celebration at the Kedron-Wavell Services Club, 21 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside, Brisbane, at 12:30pm on Friday, January 13, 2023. Attendees must register due to the venue’s limited capacity.
