Well known former jeweller and charity stalwart passes away

Mr George Andrew Johnston BEM died peacefully on September 29 at his home, The Willows, Brownstown Road, Portadown, after a short illness.

He was the beloved husband of the late May.

Mr Johnston was awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours (2015-16).

The citation said simply ‘For services to the community in Portadown’. And he served the town in several, diverse ways.

He was a founder member of Craigavon Cardiac Care Association (CCCA) and served for 47 years – including chairman and PR.

The CCCA is a voluntary charity supporting cardiac research, purchase of specialist equipment and the rehabilitation of heart patients in Craigavon Area Hospital.

He was President of Portadown Chamber of Commerce during the time that he and wife May ran a successful jewellery business in Market Street.

During his tenure as President he fronted several campaigns, the closest to his heart being ramp access onto footpaths all over town, and wheelchair access to shops within the Portadown area - a campaign in tandem with the Portadown Times.

He and May headed the popular St Mark’s Church of Ireland Seniors Club for 23 years, and they organised trips to GB and the Republic as well as shopping outings in Northern Ireland.

Through the club, they provided a wonderful stained glass window – aided by his brother Tom - for St Mark’s where he worshipped for more than 70 years since the family moved from Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, when he was 10. He was one of a family of 14.

George was also a Boys’ Brigade officer at St Mark’s and helped in the provision of a defibrillator for the church through his CCCA contacts.

In the middle of it all, he had to undergo kidney dialysis at Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry, for eight years when his renal system failed – and he had a successful kidney transplant more than a decade ago.

“It’s really humbling to receive the BEM,” he said at the time of receiving his award. “The groups I served are filled with people more deserving than me.”

Brother Tom, who led the application for the BEM said, “Nobody deserves it more. We’re extremely proud of George. He has served Portadown in so many ways and without any thought of reward.”

A family death notice published on Tuesday said the house and funeral are strictly private due to the current circumstances.

Donations in lieu of flowers for the benefit of the Kidney Clinic, Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry, Craigavon Cardiac Care and The Alzheimer’s Society (cheques made payable to Milne Funeral Services donations account) c/o Milne Funeral Services, 59 Seagoe Road, Portadown, BT63 5HS.

Sadly missed by his brothers and sisters and the entire family circle.