"But he was also a very hands-on trustee and trust chairman, and hardly a day went by that he wasn't at the station, helping with the painting, cleaning, banking, taking photos, talking with visitors and making them welcome, and generally demonstrating his passion through what he did, and by the person he was. He was a do as I do person, not do as I say.
"Even when the dreaded cancer took hold Johnson did not give in, determined to give as much as he possibly could to the cause. I never heard him complain that the task was getting too much for him.
"He was never a behind-the-scenes trustee or chairman. He lived his passion, right out in the open for all to see. As the writer and editor of the railway's excellent newsletters Johnson was able to give life to his dedication and to that of the other volunteers, and to the colossal amount of work that has been achieved.
"He gave unstintingly of his time, without any thought of personal reward or recognition.
In ways too many to count Johnson demonstrated his passion, his energy, his enthusiasm, and his total commitment to getting the railway fully up and running. His catch cry was, 'Let's get the train back to Ōpua.' Sadly, we have not been able to get back to Ōpua yet. But I can promise you that we will. And when we do, Johnson will look down and say, 'About bloody time.'
"No reira, poroporoaki ki takau hoa. Haere i runga i te rangimarie."