All at The Ensign were saddened to learn about the passing of popular former Mayor Robert "Bob" James Johnston this week.
Bob was born in Moe in January, 1945 to William and Jean Johnston.
He grew up in country Victoria, living in Coleraine, Sale and Ouyen.
Bob was educated in the state system and would later complete a Business Administration Course. He also studied law.
Bob first came to Benalla as manager of the Commercial Bank of Australia in 1977.
He would later be promoted and take up a role in its Mornington head office.
With the impending merger of the banks he resigned and started training back in Benalla as a real estate agent.
He would not only become a fully qualified agent, but also an auctioneer.
Bob and his wife Rose have four children, Jane, Paul, Kristen and Mathew.
Bob achieved a lot in his tim in Benalla:
• Elected to council in 1988, serving until 1994;
• In council he revolutionised its funding model allowing more service without rate rises;
• He was a member of the Integrated Planning Panel in Benalla;
• As Benalla Mayor he recognised Tatong as the birth place of former NZ Prime Minister Michael Savage;
• As Mayor Bob proudly hosted Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop on several occasions;
• He was chair of the Business Development Association, building chair of the Senior Citizens Centre and chair of the Basketball Centre;
• He was a life member of the Jaycees; and
• He served in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968.
Bob left Benalla to take up a secondment as Commissioner in Shepparton.
He and Rose eventually retired to the Gold Coast, where Bob worked with the Association of Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Servicemen and Women, as federal director and president of the Gold Coast branch.
- Information supplied by the Benalla Historical Society
More from the Ensign:
• Benalla and District to mark Anzac Day
• Benalla sisters donate hair to charity
• Grants to improve road safety launched by TAC
• Benalla RSL thanks community and introduces its members
• Doug Smith given Rotary honour
• Edna thanks community after sons accident
• Lions operate driver reviver on long weekend
• Coo-Wee ride raise $20,000 for Goorambat Veteran’s Retreat
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