Tributes to man of the outdoors

Mr Johnson, better known to his friends and family as Bill, recently passed away at the age of 84. 

Known as a bit of a country yokel, Bill loved the outdoors spending time fishing, shooting and playing football, even holding the position of gamekeeper at Wildmoor Farm for a number of years.

Bill’s son Michael said: “Dad was the youngest of five children so had to find his own entertainment and I think that is where his love for the outdoors came from. 

“I can always remember growing up he was always out either fishing, shooting or going odd jobs at people’s houses. 

“His influence definitely rubbed off on me, as I joined him fishing and because of his knowledge of the outdoors I could name all the different types of birds you would see.” 

Born and raised in Bramley, Bill left school when he was 14 to become a trainee electrician, before being called up for National Service, which resulted in him being deployed to Kuala Lumpur where he was made Sergeant. 

After his National Service he joined British Rail where he became a senior technician officer where served for 42 years and was also the National Union of Railwaymen secretary for Basingstoke. 

His work on the railways tied in with Bill becoming the Secretary of the Basingstoke Railway Social Club for over 20 years.

Trustee at the club, David Edwards, said Bill’s efforts really helped stabilise the club. 

“He was a really popular figure at the club and would always have the time for anyone,” added David. 

“He always had a smile on his face and was just a cheery man to be around.” 

Bill always had an interest in criminal law and was a prominent feature in Magistrates courts in North Hampshire. 

He sat as a magistrate for 24 years and became chairman of the bench.

Bill leaves behind his wife Barbara, son Michael and two grandchildren Emma and James

The funeral service will be held at St James Church, on May 5 at 1pm, with a private family burial and wake afterwards.