Bob Johnson, the ELR’s oldest working volunteer who recently celebrated both his 93rd birthday and 36 years of service to the railway, has sadly, passed away peacefully in Fairfield Hospital.
Bob lived in Bury and leaves behind his beloved wife Gill.
Mike Kelly, Chairman of the East Lancs Railway said:
“Bob was a giant of the ELR, dedicating so much of his life to develop, improve and preserve the heritage railway. He will be hugely missed by so many staff and volunteers past and present.”
“He was an inspiration to so many across the railway, so generous with his time to help others. Throughout those many years, Bob has seen and been part of many milestones on the railway, from being dressed as a snowman on the first Santa Specials over 30 years ago, a storyteller on the first Thomas The Tank Engine events, leading the present picking team on Santa Specials, through to serving as a Director and ELR ambassador with visitors from China”.
“Bob also launched the volunteer ‘Hit Squad’ midweek maintenance team 32 years ago, and all his volunteer pals fondly remember those fun filled days with Bob’s wit, humour and storytelling”.
“It was my privilege to work with Bob on the ‘Hit Squad’ and who is, quite rightly acknowledged as the ‘Godfather’ of the East Lancashire Railway.”
“On behalf of the ELR, we send our condolences and deepest sympathy to Gill and the family at this difficult time.”
