News Release

Issued 29.6.09 For immediate use

Bishop pays tribute to community leader, General Synod member and 'tireless worker', Travis Johnson OBE

The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds has joined tributes from both Britain and Jamaica for the late Travis Johnson OBE, a former member of the Church of England General Synod, a Lay Canon of Ripon Cathedral, a Leeds JP, church warden and a member of the Jamaica Diaspora UK Advisory Board , who's funeral will be held this week, Tuesday June 30th at 1pm in Jamaica.

Travis Johnson, with his wife ‘Betsy’, was a founding member of the Jamaica Society Leeds, and was a longtime member of St Aidan’s Church, Harehills, Leeds. In 1994 he became one of the first Lay Canons of Ripon Cathedral, honoured for his long service to the church and community. He became a member of General Synod, representing Ethnic Anglican concerns, and becoming a member of diocesan and national selection panels responsible for testing the vocations of candidates for ordained ministry.

Travis Johnson received recognition from the Government for his services and in 1999 was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by the Queen. Mr. Johnson's service was recognised by the Government of Jamaica as well, and he was awarded a Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service as well as a Prime Minister's Medal of Appreciation in 2002.

He returned to Jamaica last September after living and working in Britain for 46 years and died peacefully at home on June 8th at the age of 65. A Memorial Service for Mr. Johnson is provisionally planned for Sunday July 26th at St Aidan's Church, Harehills, Leeds.

The Rt Revd John Packer paid tribute to Travis Johnson. “It was with deep regret that I learned of the death of Travis Johnson. He was a dedicated and greatly respected Christian who contributed greatly to both the church and the community. He encouraged many others from minority ethnic backgrounds, and as lay canon at the Cathedral had an important role, encouraging vocations to the ordained ministry. Travis Johnson was a warm, compassionate man who showed friendship and offered support to all he encountered, and who gave tireless service in a number of fields. Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife, Betsy, their children, grandchildren and friends.”

Travis Johnson had moved to the United Kingdom when he was 18 years old in 1962, started his working life with British Rail. He was also a bus driver and a social worker and was appointed a Magistrate in 1981. The couple had two children, Desmond and Angelique.

Vicar of St Aidan's Harehills, Canon Alan Taylor has travelled to Jamaica and will preach at tomorrow's funeral. He said Travis Johnson made an important contribution to the national church. "He brought to the parliamentary nature of synodical government his wisdom, sense of justice, and a deep awareness of procedure that enriched the Anglican communion and in particular the Church of England. His passion for equality and fairness was unquestionable not only in debate but in his lifestyle. He was a man who practised what he preached. ... He never shirked away from hard work and would push himself to the limits."

Travis Johnson worked in the field of Race Relations for over 20 years, and served on the Board of two Housing Associations, on the Board of Governors of an FE College and Comprehensive School. He also served as a member of the Board of Visitors at HM Prison Thorpe Arch.

Jamaican High Commissioner to the UK, Burchell Whiteman, said Mr. Johnson was an honourable man who was devoted to his family.

"He was a visionary who saw the need for an organisation which would provide leadership for the Jamaican diaspora, beginning with the northern communities, and he saw his vision realised in the establishment of the Jamaica Diaspora UK as a national entity," Mr. Whiteman said.

"He was dedicated to his community and to his homeland, but also a loyal citizen of the United Kingdom. Mr. Johnson was good for Jamaica, good for the United Kingdom and a strong pillar for the northern region," the High Commissioner added.

Jamaica Diaspora UK hailed Mr. Johnson as an enthusiastic and staunch Jamaican who championed the cause of his community, while remaining loyal to his adopted homeland.

"He was a dedicated and caring family man, a faithful friend who was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. He was compassionate and always willing to go the extra mile. Travis Johnson was committed to the development of a vibrant Diaspora movement and worked steadfastly towards this goal," a release from the organisation said.

ENDS

Issued by John Carter (Rev)
Press and Communications Officer, Diocese of Ripon and Leeds

jhgcarter@aol.com
01423 530369 or mobile 07798 652707