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Wife pays tribute to Diss community figure Arnold 'Arnie' Johnson




The wife of a Diss community leader has paid tribute to her “caring and compassionate” husband, who died following a massive cerebral haemorrhage.

Arnold ‘Arnie’ Johnson was one of the better known figures around Diss, having worked at the youth and community centre since 1973 as a youth leader.

A former member of Diss Rotary Club and a warranted Scout Leader, he died at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital after collapsing at his home in Roydon. He was 74.

Mr Johnson was a much-loved figure around Diss, having worked with Diss Youth Club for the best part of 30 years (42308614)
Mr Johnson was a much-loved figure around Diss, having worked with Diss Youth Club for the best part of 30 years (42308614)

Born in Great Ryburgh, Mr Johnson had travelled to Kenya and Zambia as an instructor for outdoor activities organization, Outward Bound, and would later lead a group of blind students up Mount Kilimanjaro, before going on to gain his qualifications in youth work at Leicester University.

In 1973, after settling in south Norfolk, the father-of-two began working as a divisional youth leader at Diss Youth Club, where he remained until the late 1990s, when was he transferred to Attleborough and Thetford in the same role.

During his time in Diss, he founded Diss Canoeing Club. Drawing on his lifelong passion for the sport, he led a number of expeditions abroad, taking people to the Arctic Circle in Norway, the Swedish Islands, Spain and Italy.

Mr Johnson died at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on July 21 this year.
Mr Johnson died at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on July 21 this year.

An avid photographer, cyclist, canoeist, runner and gardener, Mr Johnson set up his own gardening business, which he worked at until he suffered a stroke in September 2017.

He was also instrumental in setting up South Norfolk Youth Symphonic Band and Diss Judo Club, as well as being the master of three Masonic lodges.

His wife, Pam, who lived with Mr Johnson at their home in Horner Close, said that she had been overwhelmed by the response from people who had been helped by the endless community outreach work her husband had done during the course of his life.

“He loved the community, particularly young people,” she said. “He always tried to bring out the very best and helped them fulfil themselves, no matter their academic background.

“I can’t remember the number of people who have said how he picked them up and helped them out when they needed it – they’re so grateful for how he made them feel good about themselves.

“He would always be there to help them get through anything, and achieve anything.

“We’ve had over 100 cards, and the words that keep creeping up is ‘kind and caring’.”

At Mr Johnson’s funeral last month, waves of people lined the streets as his cortege made its way from his home to West Suffolk Crematorium in Risby.

“It was a beautiful service,” added his 72-year-old wife.

“We were only allowed 30 people at the crematorium, but because the friend and neighbours weren’t able to say their goodbyes, we said you’re very welcome to come out and clap.

“The whole close was lined down the street.”

Mr Johnson leaves behind his wife Pam, two children, Karen, 44, and Mark, 41, daughter-in-law Rie, and three grandchildren, Matthew, 26, Juni, six, and Saara, two.



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