It is my sad duty to report the untimely passing away of the DOC Regalia Secretary Paul Johnstone.
Paul developed a respiritory problem during December and had some hospital treatment over the Christmas period, but was sent home on New Year's Eve before taken back in again last week, since when he had undergone more tests.
Although there had been no worsening over the last week, Paul died suddenly at 5:15 am on Friday (29th January).
I can count "Jonno" as one of my best mates and had known him since we were both involved in the local branch of the Norton Owners Club in 1974. My Ducati addiction and the reliability record of my Paso was one of the major reasons for Jonno abandoning Japanese hardware for the Bolognese treasures in 2001, when he bought his ST4. He took on the DOC Regalia when it was at a low point in 2003 and has rebuilt it to a successful operation, including the DOC's first foray into electronic trading with the E-bay online shop.
Jonno was Best Man at my wedding to the current Mrs Spaggy and a regular companion during TT week, where he was responsible for organising the switch of the Mad Sunday Rally to the Creg in 2009. He was also a stalwart at various bike shows, where he enthusiastically raised the profile of the DOC's regalia scheme with many varied and original high quality items. We last met at the hospital last Sunday, when I had promised him I'd get the first drinks at the BMF Show. That was never to be, so I'll save it for the TT, when I can share it with all his other mates.
We spent several holidays together in France, Italy and, of course, the Isle of Man, and for the last 37 years I have been proud to have him as a mate, even when he had Yamahas and Hondas! I can think of few men I would have trusted with my life, but Paul was
one of them. As honest as the day is long, thorough, determined and
with a habit of doing what he said he'd do. And doing it well.
Paul always had respect for the work of Riders for Health, which has been his favoured charity for many years. I share this respect and admiration for the charity as I have been to Kenya and Tanzania myself, and can can testify that there are huge parts of these countries, and others like them, where a bike is the only sensible way of delivering medical treatment and other vital services. We know that Riders for Health will use your donation wisely, so please be generous in your support.
Paul is survived by his widow, Marie, and two daughters, Sarah and Charlotte. I will miss him as much as they will. He also leaves a host of great memories behind him from times spent together, and I hope the pictures included here will give those that didn't know Paul all that well an idea of how many friends he had, including Bobby the horse. Paul was responsible for the DOC sponsoring/adopting Bobby at the Isle of Man home for Retired Heavy Horses, and it was typical of the man that he thought as much for animals like this as he did of his human friends.
The world is indeed now a poorer place for his passing. Godspeed Jonno.
Raised so far: £1,427.00
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We will all miss Paul. I will think of him when ever I put my Kernowtisti (Ducati Cornwall Branch) Tshirt on. Thanks. Donation by Guy Gagen on 24/02/10 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid | |
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Paul, we wore the regalia with pride at the bristol show at the weekend. We miss you mate, Fi and Lance Donation by fiona walker on 24/02/10 |
£50.00 |
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We're off to the Picos mountains this summer and will be wearing some of your regalia as usual, so in a way you'll be on the road with us. Cheers :-) Donation by Graham Stoppani on 21/02/10 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid | |
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Donation by Val & Dorothy on 20/02/10 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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With love from me to you.xx Donation by Lynn Harvey on 17/02/10 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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We will miss Paul too and remember his specialness. Donation by Kevin Bridget Katie Paul Clare Baker on 12/02/10 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Donation by The Noakes Family on 09/02/10 |
£60.00 + £16.92 Gift Aid |
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A good friend who will be sorely missed Donation by Gillian Pruce @ George Lindo on 06/02/10 |
£40.00 + £11.28 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Sarah Johnstone on 06/02/10 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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Really enjoyed your company at the TT over the last few years. you will be missed, but not forgotten Donation by keith Fothergill on 03/02/10 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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It was a pleasure to know you Jonno. The world is now missing one of the good guys. Donation by ANDREW JONES on 02/02/10 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Godspeed Jonno. Let this help others as you would. Donation by Dave Knight on 02/02/10 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
| * Total raised online: | £590.00 |
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| Offline donations: | £837.00 |
| Mobile donations: | £0.00 |
| Total Raised: | £1,427.00 |
| Gift Aid plus supplement: | £152.31 |
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