News Release

Issued 20.7.09

Hundreds expected for the memorial service of Leeds community leader, 'visionary' and General Synod member, Travis Johnson OBE

The Jamaican High Commissioner to the UK,  Burchell Whiteman, will be among hundreds of friends and colleagues  from around the country who will travel to Leeds on  Saturday, July 25th, for the memorial service of  Travis Johnson OBE.  Magistrates, civic dignitaries, church leaders and many from the Jamaican community around England will join at 3pm at St. Aidan’s Church, Harehills, Leeds, to pay tribute to a man described as an inspiration, a community leader, a JP, General Synod member, a tireless worker and a ‘visionary’.

Travis Johnson, OBE, died peacefully at the age of 65, at home last month in Jamaica where he had returned just a few months before, after living and working  in Leeds for 46 years.  His widow, Betsy and family will be present at next Saturday’s memorial service, which will be led by long time friend and Vicar, Canon Alan Taylor. Canon Taylor preached at Mr Johnson’s funeral in Jamaica at the end of June.

Travis Johnson, with his wife ‘Betsy’, was a founding member of the Jamaica Society Leeds, and a long time member of St Aidan's Church. 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.  The Archdeacon of Leeds, the Venerable Peter Burrows will represent the diocese at Saturday’s memorial service.

Fellow magistrates will be among the civic dignitaries and community leaders present next Saturday. Tributes and contributions will be made by friends and colleagues from throughout the country and there will be musical contributions from various groups including the Jamaican Society Choir.

The Jamaican High Commissioner to the UK, Burchell Whiteman, who will take part in the Memorial Service, 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". The High Commissioner added, “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."

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.

Mr. 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.

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.

Vicar of St Aidan's Harehills, Canon Alan Taylor travelled to Jamaica and preached at Mr Johnson's funeral. He said he had 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 practiced what he preached. ... He never shirked away from hard work and would push himself to the limits."

ENDS

More information from the Revd Canon Alan Taylor (0113) 248 6992

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