Remembering Eileen Bond: A Legacy of Heart, Spirit, and Enduring Charm
Today, we reflect on the remarkable life of Eileen Bond — a woman whose presence, grace, and energy left an imprint on everyone she encountered. Known lovingly as "Red" for her striking red hair and fiery personality, Eileen was so much more than just the former wife of controversial businessman Alan Bond. She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, a proud Fremantle native, and a cherished friend to many.
Eileen passed away earlier this month at the age of 87 following a severe stroke. Her farewell service, held at St Patrick’s Basilica in Fremantle, drew hundreds — a poignant testament to how deeply she touched people’s lives. Family, friends, high-profile figures, and everyday Australians gathered to remember her not just for the public moments, but for the private, deeply human ones.
Her son, John Bond, delivered a moving and heartfelt eulogy, painting a vivid picture of a woman who was fiercely loyal and lived life on her own terms. “Red’s life,” he joked lovingly, “can be summed up by four F-words: faith, family, friends, and fun.” And indeed, those four words seemed to shape everything she did. Whether it was her unshakable support of her loved ones or her infectious enthusiasm for life, she made everyone feel seen, heard, and important.
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Eileen stood proudly beside Alan Bond during the iconic 1983 America’s Cup win, earning admiration even from American high society. But fame didn’t define her. She was just as comfortable at a glitzy yacht club as she was hosting guests in her warm, champagne-filled home. Her son described the house as always open, where laughter and love never stopped flowing. She was everyone’s “grandma, mother, auntie, or just dear friend.”
Even in her final week, Eileen showed no signs of slowing down. She bought a new Balenciaga outfit, had lunch plans at Chez Pierre, and was ready to cheer on her beloved South Fremantle Football Club — where she proudly held the number one membership ticket for over 20 years.
As Father Christian Fini noted in his homily, "Red is more than a nickname. It’s a metaphor for the life she led — bold, vivid, unforgettable." Eileen Bond wasn’t just part of Australian social history; she was a piece of its heart.
She leaves behind a legacy of joy, generosity, and strength. Eileen lived at full speed, full of light, and full of love. And in that, she will never truly be gone — because her spirit lives on in every person she made feel special, every laugh she inspired, and every memory now held close by those who adored her.
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