Respected academic lived full, inspiring life

BRUCE JOHNSON Emeritus Professor of Zoology at the University of Tasmania and chairman of the Tasmanian Arts Advisory Board Born in Melbourne, September 6, 1925. Died in Hobart, February 10, 2019, aged 93

FROM jackaroo to fighter pilot to respected academic, Emeritus Professor Bruce Johnson OAM, led an interesting life.

When he was 15 years old, Prof Johnson left home to become a jackaroo in western NSW. When he was old enough he joined the RAAF and trained as a fighter pilot. He never saw action because, as he put it, “the Germans heard I was coming so they surrendered”.

After World War II he completed his matriculation, then studied Agricultural Science at the University of Sydney, graduating with honours in 1951. He then completed a PhD in England and married his brother’s wife’s sister Biddy before returning to Australia.

Bruce Johnson was a researcher at Adelaide University’s Waite Institute for several years before moving to Tasmania to become Professor of Zoology at the University of Tasmania. He held this position for 18 years, deciding to retire when he was teaching students who were born when he started that job.

Prof Johnson was active in the arts, having been involved in the Adelaide Film Festival as well as multiple art bodies in Tasmania, including as chair of the Tasmanian Arts Advisory Board.

Prof Johnson was also very active in seeking peace and understanding between Australia and China, becoming both state and national president of the Australia China Friendship Society.

His input was crucial in gaining the sister-state relationship between Tasmania and Fujian.

On his return from a visit to Cuba in the 1970s, Australian Customs searched his bags and confiscated books by Fidel Castro and others.

Bruce Johnson was also an avid sailor, often seen on Hobart’s waterways on Tula and later on Karlee.

In 2009, he was awarded an Order of Australia for his community activities.

Bruce Johnson is survived by his son Alban Johnson, partner Annette Stilwell, and grand-daughters Mira and Aleisha Johnson-Montesinos.