Obituary: Lindsay Johnson was at heart of Dewsbury and Mirfield communities

A businessman who was at the heart of his community will be remembered during a service next week.
ORIGINAL THINKER Lindsay Johnson.ORIGINAL THINKER Lindsay Johnson.
ORIGINAL THINKER Lindsay Johnson.

Lindsay Johnson’s commitment to Dewsbury and Mirfield extended far beyond running family firm J&B’s (Dewsbury) Limited.

An active member of the Chamber of Trade in both towns, he played a part in everything from setting up the Christmas lights and Dewsbury Triathlon to planting trees and flowers.

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He was also heavily involved in setting up Dewsbury on Sea, now a major event.

Friend and chamber colleague Dudley Ward said: “Lindsay was an original thinker. He came up with lots of ideas, but the greatest part was that he executed them. He didn’t leave it to someone else.

“He was one of the leading lights in the town and a great pal. I shall certainly miss him.”

Born at Moorlands Hall Maternity Home in Dewsbury in 1930, Mr Johnson studied at Heckmondwike Grammar and Batley Grammar schools.

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He completed his national service with the RAF and worked in Rackham’s department store in Birmingham before joining his father, Clarence Johnson, to run J&B’s in the 1950s.

The firm had hugely popular department stores in Dewsbury, Ravensthorpe and Mirfield. It also took over two other Dewsbury shops, Eggleston’s and The Curtain Corner.

Mr Johnson held posts with the chambers of trade in Dewsbury and Mirfield as well as being Chairman of West Yorkshire’s Council of Chambers of Trade.

He was also involved with Dewsbury Matters, Mirfield Community Partnership, Calder River Watch and Dewsbury Historical Society.

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In 1956 Mr Johnson married Beryl Thomas, the daughter of the Master of Staincliffe Workhouse.

The couple raised their family in Mirfield, starting out in the flat above the J&B’s store in the town.

They had a son, Peter, two daughters, Pat and the late Sue, and eight grandchildren.

Mr Johnson, 83, Mirfield, passed away last week.

A service will be held at St. Mary’s Parish Church, Mirfield, on Friday July 19, 1pm.

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