The Tribune

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, other dignitaries and relatives paid tribute to Sir Geoffrey Johnstone at the former politician and lawyer's funeral on Saturday.

Sir Geoffrey died in Doctors Hospital on Friday, August 4. He would have turned 90 years old next month.

A life-long member of St Andrew's Presbyterian Kirk, Sir Geoffrey served as an elder in the church and in celebration of the Kirk's 200th anniversary, received an award for outstanding service.

After the service at the Kirk, family members attended his interment at the Garden of Remembrance at Christ Church Cathedral, George Street.

Sir Geoffrey was elected to the House of Assembly for the Eastern District of New Providence in November 1962. He served as minister of road traffic and records in the United Bahamian Party government from January 1964 to 1967.

In January 1967, he was returned as member for the Montagu constituency where he served until September 1972. He also served as leader of the opposition from February 1970 to July 1971.

He also played an instrumental role in the creation of the Free National Movement.

Sir Geoffrey served as Bahamas Bar Association president from June 1973 to June 1975 and as vice-president from June 1975 to June 1976.

On December 31, 1994, Sir Geoffrey was appointed a commander of the most distinguished order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the Queen's Birthday Honours. Twelve years later he was made knight commander of the order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Sir Geoffrey is survived by his wife, Lady Anne Johnstone, his younger brother, Peter, and his wife, Joan Johnstone, his brother-in-law, Godfrey Kelly and sister-in-law, Sonia Kelly. Also surviving him are his nieces and nephews. His nieces are Heather White (née Raine), Deborah Raine, Gloria Raine and Linda Eliza (nee Kelly) and Emma Johnstone. His nephews are Bruce Raine, Glenn and David Johnstone and David White.