Merivale is holding a memorial for its co-founder, John Hemmes, this Friday afternoon.

Full details of the event, as well as a page of heartfelt tributes from many of Merivale’s staff and industry professionals, can be found here.

Hemmes succumbed to multiple myeoma, a cancer of plasma cells, and passed away peacefully at the age of 83 with his family by his side on Sunday March 1.

Hemmes, together with his wife Merivale, started a fashion label from their Burwood home before moving into the hospitality scene some years later. Hemmes’ children Justin and Bettina have subsequently transformed the Merivale label into an empire with an estimated worth of $500m which includes over 50 venues across Sydney including The Ivy, Coogee Pavilion and The Beresford Hotel.

The memorial event will be held from 4pm – 6om in the Ivy Ballroom, 320 George Street, Sydney.

The family have requested that instead of flowers, donations are made to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Laltham Fund, supporting blood disease research and patient care.