Wesley Johnson mourned in Bundaberg

Locals have poured their hearts out after the sad passing of CBD identity Wes Johnson. It comes as details of his funeral are released.

Wes was a well-known face around the CBD. Photo: Contributed

“I don’t think there was anyone in Bundy who wasn’t familiar with him.”

These were the words of Tania McDonnell, one of many locals to paid tribute to Wesley Johnson.

Mr Johnson, one of the most familiar faces in the CBD, passed away peacefully in Bundaberg on September 9 aged 43. The cause of death is not yet known.

Wes, as he was affectionately known, was a dearly loved son, brother, cousin, uncle, nephew and good friend to many.

Pauline Clare was another local who paid tribute.

“Rest in peace Wesley, you where a great person in every way no doubt about it mate,” she said.

“It was a pleasure to know after you all these years 29 years I could count knowing you for.

“Fly high mate, another angel you have became (sic).”

Wes, the local everyone recognised despite never really knowing his background, would often sit in town chatting, smiling and waving to people as they passed through the CBD.

Deb Cavanough said he would never be forgotten.

“You were such a gentleman around me,” she said.

Nicole Thomas said she would miss seeing his cheeky smile up town, while Sue Smith said his passing was a loss to Bundaberg.

Many agreed losing Wes was a significant moment for the region.

“It's like losing a Bundaberg icon,” Mary Jacobsen said.

Margaret Neibling added “This is such sad news and a real shock”.

“Wes always made time to say hello and he used to call me by name as I used to work in town and often had a chat with him. Have been missing his smiling face for a while now,” she said

Keira Crystal John shared the story of how Wes would go into the former Lushus Bakery and when he got change from a $5 pie he‘d always put the change in the donations box on the counter.

“That said a lot to me, for someone with so little was so happy to just give what he could,” she said.

Most Bundy locals seem to have a story involving Wes.

For Barry Fensom it was often giving him a lift home.

Ken Phillis referred to him as his mate in the CBD, saying he was an “awesome friend”.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral at the Bundaberg Living Word Church on Friday at 11.30am and thereafter at the Bundaberg Lawn Cemetery (Johnston St entrance).