Remembering Steve

CONDOLENCES to Beverly, Sarah, family and friends of Steve Johnson who sadly died on 24th September aged 93.

Steve will be remembered by many in the village. Until not that long ago, he would be seen driving up Fore Street, in his mobility scooter that he called his Maserati. He would park at the farm shop to pick up salt beef which, according to Steve was made especially for him!

Steve was a founder member of the Probus Club of Probus, and the following words are by members Mike Bowen, Ray McVay, Neil Staten and Richard Ludlow. As the Cullen View plots were sold and houses built, Ray McVay first met Steve, his late wife Joan, and Spike their dog across the building site, three plots away. A firm friendship developed with Friday night gatherings in the Hawkins Arms and Monday lunchtime drinks at the Comrades Club. The Hawkins ‘Famous Table’ became the birthplace of our very own Probus Club and it was Steve who arranged the first speaker to give a talk to the club. Over the years the Friday night ‘Dad’s Army’ was delighted to welcome Steve’s family, Beverly, Sarah and Andy and grandson Julio (pictured right).

To meet Steve for the first time was quite an experience. A celebratory Spanish themed dinner at the Lamplighter with everybody seated and waiting was interrupted by the door being flung open. In walked, to rapturous applause, an expensive looking gentleman in a long black overcoat, Basque beret and Valencia FC scarf. He remained the centre of attention for the rest of the evening, especially with the ladies, for whom he had a particular fondness. The irrepressible Steve became a feature of Probus Club of Probus meetings, through arriving late, asking questions at unexpected moments, and on one memorable occasion, having to be woken to give the pre-arranged vote of thanks to the Speaker.

Steve regularly hosted Tapas lunches at home, where fun and wine flowed freely. Once he addressed you as ‘Brother’ you knew you were accepted and took it as a badge of honour. Steve, without a doubt, was a one off, who never forgot his roots in Salford and although we are sad at his passing our memories will always be of a jovial, kind and unique gentleman. Steve was a devotee of Philleigh Folk for a number of years, enjoying a meal beforehand and fully participating in the proceedings to everyone’s amusement – here’s a tribute from Greg to the folk club’s ‘oldest supporter, and most ardent heckler... “He was one of those rare people who could dictate the starting time of an event by the time he took his seat...In a world short of characters, Steve will be sorely missed.”