Mr Robin Campbell Vaughan Johnson

Robin Campbell Vaughan Johnson (Sing’s, 1942-1946)

Died 5th June 2025, aged 96. 

The obituary below was kindly provided by Robin’s nephew, Simon. 

 

Robin (Rob) Vaughan Johnson passed away on the 5th June, aged 96.

Rob led a varied and adventurous life, covering four careers in seven countries. 

After leaving St Edward’s, he went to Zambia where he served in the Northern Rhodesia Police.  He returned to England to train and qualify as a helicopter pilot.  He had flying tours in England, Uganda, Iran, Pakistan, India and Australia. In Australia, he also worked as a personnel manager and then trained and practiced as a podiatrist before his retirement. Each chapter of his journey reflected his courage, adaptability and commitment to serving others.

Rob had the dubious pleasure of flying Idi Amin in Uganda.  Rob and his first wife Honor were on leave in Perth Australia when he was notified that the Bristow contract in Uganda had been cancelled.  Rob and Honor left Uganda with only two suitcases and a sewing machine to start a new life.  Despite this abrupt end, he never had a bad word to say about his infamous passenger.

His character is perhaps best encapsulated during his time as a pilot in Australia, where he performed one of his most heroic acts – rescuing personnel from the disabled oil rig Key Biscayne in extremely hazardous flying conditions.  For his bravery, he was awarded the Bravery Medal (BM) – a testament to his skill, determination and professionalism.

After Rob retired from flying at 55, he embarked on a new career as a Podiatrist.  This new venture involved 3 years studying at Curtin University, in subjects of which he had no previous knowledge.  Rob studied hard, especially during his first year, whilst at the same time caring for his second wife Stephanie who was recovering from a serious car accident.  Upon graduation, Rob was in private practice until he retired at 70.

Rob had the rare ability to connect with people, no matter their background or language.  Whether it was in an African village or an Australian airfield, he brought kindness, calm and a good dose of humour to every situation.

Rob is greatly missed by his wife, Stephanie, and by his nephews and nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces.

 

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