Namesake of Churack Chair left an 'indelible mark'

Mr Churack, who died recently aged 87, was the namesake of the Churack Chair of Chronic Pain Education and Research at Notre Dame University, a position created to improve the management of chronic pain.

The retired car dealership owner had lived with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) for more than 20 years. He donated millions towards research for the condition.

There is no cure for the syndrome, which leaves sufferers in almost constant and, at times, excruciating pain.

Mr Churack’s daughter Simonne Ventouras told Medical Forum how the Notre Dame role came about.

While his chronic pain stopped him from doing many of the things he had enjoyed such as travelling and playing sport, she said it was when he was experiencing terrible pain in his 60s that he started doing research into what his options were in terms of treating it.

“He met with university professors and part of that journey was discovering that doctors weren't well equipped," Ms Ventouras said.

“When they'd come through medical school, chronic pain was not a core part of their studies.”

This realisation led to two separate donations, totalling $5 million to Notre Dame.

In 2013, Mr Churack and his wife Moira, supported by their three children, donated $1 million to establish the Churack Chair of Chronic Pain Education and Research, in partnership with St John of God Subiaco Hospital.

Through this medical specialist role important research in the area of chronic pain has been able to be undertaken and with that, first-hand knowledge has been delivered to medicine students at the university.

A further $4 million donation on behalf of the family was made in 2024 which secured the future of the Churack Chair at Notre Dame to ensure ongoing leadership in chronic pain education and research.

The donations totalled the biggest gift in the university’s history and one of the largest philanthropic donations of its type in Australia.

University of Notre Dame chief advancement officer Robyn Barblett described Mr Churack as an extraordinary West Australian whose generosity and vision have left an indelible mark at the university.

“The establishment of the Churack Chair demonstrates Geoff and Moira's commitment to advancing knowledge and creating opportunities that will benefit future generations,” she said.

"He will also be remembered as a thoughtful, humble and community-minded man whose kindness and commitment to helping others touched many lives.

“We are deeply grateful for his friendship, commitment to education and for the impact he has had on our University. Our thoughts are with Moira and the entire Churack family at this difficult time."

Ms Ventouras said her dad was kind, generous and always interested in improving society.

“He had been such an active vibrant person, dad had a really big personality and he was very involved in so many different communities professionally and through school and sport.”

She said while suffering from debilitating pain in his later years came with its mental challenges, being involved in seeking out solutions and support for others became a positive outlet that helped him and his family through those challenges.