Richard Johnson Death, Obituary -The news of Uncle Richard Johnson’s passing reached us over the weekend, and our hearts are weighed down with a terrible sense of grief as a result. Uncle Richie was well respected across our community for his roles as an Elder of the Gooreng Gooreng, a leader of the First Nations people, and a guide. The majority of people liked and appreciated him.
He was a stalwart supporter of First Nations people, particularly on a local level, and he was frequently seen at community events serving as the person in charge of the “Welcome to Country” ceremony. He was a staunch advocate for the rights of First Nations people. He would always make each Welcome unique to the event, and he would freely share his experience and wisdom with the community that he cherished so deeply.
Uncle Richie took a serious interest in the activities of a wide variety of Indigenous communities and organizations. Everyone stopped what they were doing to pay attention to what Uncle Richie had to say whenever he spoke. The Council would like to extend its gratitude to the Johnson family for granting us permission to recognize Uncle Richie on social media in order to pay our respects to a member of our community who was deeply cherished and held in the highest regard by all.
In doing so, the Council will be able to pay tribute to someone who was held in the highest regard by all. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with Richie’s three daughters, Naomi, Nonnie, and Annie; his 11 grandchildren; his four great grandchildren; and the rest of the Johnson family. Our sincere condolences go out to all of them.
The flags at the Council Chambers are flying at half-mast today in honor of Uncle Richie, and they will continue to do so for the rest of the week as well. Today’s ceremony is being held in his memory.