09/09/2026
IN MEMORIAM of John McKenzie Johnson: A message from his Grandson and Founder of the “new” ‘Johnson’s Post’!
- “My grandfather John McKenzie Johnson was born 106 years ago today. The quaint stone building that hosted this arrival still stands today and is now part of the ACVV establishment in Mossel Bay.
Grandpa attended Point High and grew up with his feet in the sand and on the rocks of the surrounding shoreline.
He flew bombers during the Second World War and he is recognized as a decorated war pilot.
His love of and passion for flying was enjoyed for many years after the war, owning several private aircraft and enjoying many hours in the air over Aftica.
One of ‘Johnny Johnson’s’ many passions was that of commerce where he excelled in the challenging environment of supply and demand in the consumer trade of local economy that was the playing field of the 50’s, 60s and 70s.
Instant coffee and other consumer goods, property development - all culminated in a relatively early retirement from a successful career.
Grandpa retired back down to Mossel Bay in the late 80s and spent his remaining years at his beloved ‘Kanon’ on the coast outside of town.
He passed away in September 2000 shortly before my 21st birthday in December. We celebrated the party in Stellenbosch, arriving in Mossel Bay in style in a private aircraft as only ‘Grandpa’ would have had it.
I miss him now 26 years later, as much as I missed him then…
Today, whilst I stand inside his grandfather’s trading store (where I now operate a coffee business - a cafe of sorts) I find a sneaky smile spreading across my lips as I laugh at the fragility of it all.
The most important moment of your life is the moment you’re in and as I fondly bask in the memory of my grandfather on his birthday my desire for each of us is to develop the awareness and self-respect to enjoy the moment we’re in!”
- John McKenzie Johnson
