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