George Johnson

OMs will remember George Johnson, who worked for Marlborough College for more than 60 years. George sadly died on 24th December 2019, aged 93.

On Friday 10th January, current and former members of staff and pupils gathered in Court to pay tribute to him as his coffin was carried by a fire engine commissioned in 1943 on a final lap of Court. The cortège passed through, pausing for a last time outside Norwood, before those gathered broke into spontaneous applause as George left the gates of the College.

George joined Marlborough College in 1953 as a painter and decorator and became Foreman of Estates, a post he held until the age of 65. He then moved across from Estates to the Norwood Hall where he was the much loved Supervisor until his 90s. Officially the College’s longest-serving employee, George served the College for a wonderful 66 years and was hugely important to pupils and staff alike – always happy to share a joke and offer help and support.

Decorated with a British Empire medal for his bravery during the Polly Tearooms fire of 1966, this special tribute from Wiltshire Fire Brigade recognised George’s exceptional contribution to the fire service of Marlborough as Deputy Station Commander. George will be greatly missed and will always be remembered by the College and Town communities.