Tragic loss of Bay of Plenty Anaesthetist in Kenya bus accident

16 January 2013
Tragic loss of Bay of Plenty Anaesthetist in Kenya bus accident

The Bay of Plenty District Health Board has learned, with deep sadness, of the loss of Whakatane Anaesthetist Brian Johnston and his wife Grace, who have been killed in a bus accident in Kenya while doing voluntary work with Bethlehem College.

Today is the anniversary of Brian starting his career with the Bay of Plenty District Health Board, where he has been a dedicated member of staff for the last 26 years at both Tauranga and Whakatane sites. Five years ago, and seeing a need for providing stability at Whakatane, Brian volunteered to take the Anaesthetists position and travelled from his home in Tauranga weekly to be an active and respected member of the Whakatane Hospital community. Brian was a dedicated Christian who is described by his colleagues as “the nicest person you would ever meet” and someone who “would only ever give, never take.”

Brian and Grace have also been described as “being woven into the fabric of the Bay of Plenty” and will be sorely missed. They leave behind a large family and a number of grandchildren.

Our thoughts are also with our other members of staff who have children on the Bethlehem College mission in Kenya.

ENDS

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