We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Ian Johnson Aka Shirley. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. As we plan virtual gatherings, we will post invites. Remember to RSVP to help us plan. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
For IanThose we love don't go awaythey walk beside us everydayunseen, unheard but always nearstill loved, still missed and very dear
Always in my heart, love always yer Wife Aka Ali xxxx
We met in April 1984 at British Airtours training course at Gatwick, young fledglings about to embark on a career that would take us around the world having fun with friends!
You were always a joy to be around, that wickedly cheeky grin, your infectious... moreWe met in April 1984 at British Airtours training course at Gatwick, young fledglings about to embark on a career that would take us around the world having fun with friends!
You were always a joy to be around, that wickedly cheeky grin, your infectious laughter and Shirley - well - legendary!
I’ll miss you so much dear friend. You made me a better person through knowing you. less
Lovely Ian 💝
Soulful brown eyes, rich velvety voice, deep heartfelt laughter, genuine empathy and compassion, quick wit and wicked sense of humour, insightful and bright mind, numerous talents - so many facets to you, the brilliant diamond of a human... moreLovely Ian 💝
Soulful brown eyes, rich velvety voice, deep heartfelt laughter, genuine empathy and compassion, quick wit and wicked sense of humour, insightful and bright mind, numerous talents - so many facets to you, the brilliant diamond of a human being that you are.
I first met you when I came for my CrewCare interview, and subsequently got to know you better when I was part of the team. You made me feel welcome from the start, and helped ease my initial self-doubts about the new skills I was learning, with your down to earth approach. You were someone I looked up to as I perceived the depth of your knowledge, understanding and empathy. You made it all seem so natural - you were the natural Ian, I was the novice.
And interwoven with your compassion was your humour, so naughty at times 😂 which demonstrated your insight into human nature - the good, the bad, the happy, the sad.
Our world is a sadder place knowing that you've gone, though it is also all the richer for the positive impact you have left with so many of us.
You will be missed more than you might have ever imagined. Fly high Ian, and write yourself a great script! With love, Lesley 😘 less
To our beautiful Ian, AKA Shirley.
Words cannot express my sadness writing this note to you.
From the very first time we met there was a instant connection. It not only turned out that we had the same mutual flying and non-flying friends but that both... moreTo our beautiful Ian, AKA Shirley.
Words cannot express my sadness writing this note to you.
From the very first time we met there was a instant connection. It not only turned out that we had the same mutual flying and non-flying friends but that both our nik names were Shirley.
I would always insist that you were Shirley 1 and was ShirleyTOO, however you were always adamant and gracious enough to insist it be the other way around. ❤️❤️
Our other connection we discovered was your gorgeous sister Wendy who I had the pleasure of flying with at Virgin.
Wendy and I also had a bonding session whilst I piggybacked her down 8 flights of stairs during the 1993 earthquake in Los Angeles. Something you and I always laughed and giggled about.
The one thing that has really stuck out to me and clearly to 100s of others is how loved and adored you are and always will be.
I shall miss our giggling and gossip sessions with all the naughtiest ofcackles that went with it.
You made a huge and definite mark on me Ian and I shall miss you terribly my love..
I willcome and find you one day in the angel skies and we can let the giggles resume.
In the meantime. Fly high gorgeous man.
Your friend ShirleyTOO. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Nick Funnell less
Dear Ian We will miss you ! Such a funny, kind and caring soul! You will certainly be shine light to all the people that love you, specially your family given comfort in their heart! R.i.P.
Oh Ian, so many memories! I remember when he’d had his hair cut at the hairdressers in the hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica... years ago! They made a real mess of it and when he’d got over the shock, he went downstairs to complain. They locked the... moreOh Ian, so many memories! I remember when he’d had his hair cut at the hairdressers in the hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica... years ago! They made a real mess of it and when he’d got over the shock, he went downstairs to complain. They locked the door on him and he was banging on the window demanding his money back!!!! RIP dear Ian... you were a one-off and will be sorely missed. less
Ian was a much loved Crewcare colleague, friend, CSD and all round ‘entertainer’. Not only did he have the sharpest wit and impeccable comedy timing, but also a naturally compassionate and caring nature. His deep insightfulness shone though in his... moreIan was a much loved Crewcare colleague, friend, CSD and all round ‘entertainer’. Not only did he have the sharpest wit and impeccable comedy timing, but also a naturally compassionate and caring nature. His deep insightfulness shone though in his counselling work. With just one look from his big brown eyes he could immediately sense what was troubling you. A true gift indeed. Ian also volunteered as a counselling supervisor for Metro, a charitable organisation that provides health, community and youth services. We will add a donation option here shortly enabling Ian’s legacy to live on through the work he believed in so passionately. Thanks Ian for all the love, laughs, compassion, wisdom, inspiration and the most brilliant ‘Dame Shirl’ this side of the Rotherhithe tunnel! Lots of love - your Crewcare colleagues. less
Ian and I met at our initial BA interview. I remember that day so clearly with us chatting on the tube afterwards on the way back into London, for me to catch my train back to Plymouth. I was overjoyed to then find we were on the same new entrant course... moreIan and I met at our initial BA interview. I remember that day so clearly with us chatting on the tube afterwards on the way back into London, for me to catch my train back to Plymouth. I was overjoyed to then find we were on the same new entrant course - 13th January 1985 - certainly very lucky for me. We laughed so much til our sides hurt. Such a delight to be with at all times. Much love, Suzanne (Sandford nee Eustace) less
Will miss you Ian! So sad to hear you’re gone... but still flying high with the angels. Glad I had the chance to work and act together... here is how we should remember Ian: Full of life, generous, attentive and very funny... all your Shirley Bassey... moreWill miss you Ian! So sad to hear you’re gone... but still flying high with the angels. Glad I had the chance to work and act together... here is how we should remember Ian: Full of life, generous, attentive and very funny... all your Shirley Bassey impressions... . Thoughts are with his sister, family and close friends. RIP my dearest funny friend. Stéphane (Scotto di perrotolo
https://youtu.be/3ix8oAuyRiI less
I’ll always remember the time we spent the day together in Washington, out in the sunshine on an open top bus tour of the city, the laughter never ended and I have never forgotten Ian, or this wonderful trip! Ian was on of those people that made flying... moreI’ll always remember the time we spent the day together in Washington, out in the sunshine on an open top bus tour of the city, the laughter never ended and I have never forgotten Ian, or this wonderful trip! Ian was on of those people that made flying a real pleasure! xx less