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Hundreds of mourners paid their respects at the funeral of Ian Johnston – the former Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent.
Mr Johnston passed away last month after being admitted to University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, because of a fall.
The community of Oakdale lined the streets as Mr Johnston made the final journey from his home village to St Augustine’s Church in Pontllanfraith for the first of two funeral services held on Friday March 17.
The smaller service at St Augustine’s was held for close family and friends, while a larger public service was later held at Sirhowy Valley Crematorium for the wider community to pay their respects.
A procession was escorted by two police motorcyclists from the church to the crematorium, and ensured Mr Johnston had a fitting send-off to mark his highly-accomplished career in the force.
A reflection of his familial links with Scotland, a bagpiper played as Mr Johnston’s coffin – draped with a Gwent Police standard and his hat and gloves – was carried into the chapel by pallbearers.
Family members, friends, and colleagues read poems and shared their recollections of a “kind and generous man”.
Mr Johnston’s daughter Hayley said: “My Dad was my protector.”
The High Sherriff of Gwent, Malgwyn Davies, shared his memories, recounting how Mr Johnston and his wife Janet first met and broke into tears as he said: “Thank you my friend for all of your friendship and wise counsel.”
Pam Kelly, Gwent Police Chief Constable, said Mr Johnston had two loves – his family and policing.
She said: “We know that Ian has policing in his DNA, but Gwent Police also has Ian as part of its heritage and DNA. Today, as we offer our thanks to Ian, we salute you and thank you for your dedication and service, but now stand down PC 433 Johnston; stand down Detective Chief Superintendent – your shift and work is done.
“Thank you for all of your service.”
Paul Harris, who served as Mr Johnston’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, said his former boss could never resist helping others – even after he had retired from the role.
Tributes
Mr Johnston grew up in Oakdale and was a person always willing to help others – reflected by the outpouring of tributes from the area.
Married to wife Janet in 1972, the couple had been together from the age of 13 after meeting at a local youth centre.
Joining the police force as a cadet in 1969, Mr Johnston rose through the ranks of Gwent and was eventually appointed head of CID in 1995. In between these events, Mr Johnston had stints lecturing officers, a secondment to the Home Office, and senior management roles including divisional chief inspector at Pontypool.
In 1999 he became a divisional commander and after 33 years service with Gwent Police in 2004, he became vice president of the Police Superintendents Association of England and Wales.
In what he described as the highlight of his policing career, Mr Johnston was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in 2003.
From 2007 and 2010 he was president of the association, which represents officers in the rank of Superintendent and Chief Superintendent.
After retiring in 2010, Mr Johnston set up a security consulting business before deciding to stand as an independent candidate for the then newly-created role of Police and Crime Commissioner.
After stepping down from the PCC role in 2016, he became an ambassador and chairman for the Crimestoppers charity in Wales.
People wishing to commemorate Ian’s memory can do so via a donation to HCT, the homelessness charity started by his daughter Hayley. Visit GoFundMe to make a donation.
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