Mosman homeless man Ray Johnson only had a handful of possessions and slept on a bench but he was rich in friendship
TEARS and heartfelt tributes have marked the sad passing of Sydney’s homeless identity Ray Johnson, and there’s now talk about erecting a memorial for him.
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RAY JOHNSON may have had few possessions and slept on a bench but he lit up Mosman Bay Wharf in more ways than one.
There was his cheeky smile, his warm greetings and his colourful Christmas lights.
The passing of the Mosman identity in late December has now left a void at the wharf.
Commuters will sadly miss his words of wisdom and his simple philosophy on life, from a man who could not see how money could make you happy.
He was always up for a chat and even played matchmaker, telling the Mosman Daily just before his death that he was determined to bring people together and make them smile.
There are commuters who have become friends thanks to Mr Johnson’s persistence.
He first came to local attention when he decorated the tree outside Mosman Bay wharf with Christmas ornaments in 2012.
Just days before his death, Mr Johnson achieved his dream to decorate the eaves of the wharf bus shelter with hundreds of Christmas lights.
His good friends Michael Hasemer and Brynnie Goodwill said they “will miss Ray, his presence, his forthright (sometimes quite colourful) comments, his profound caring and his friendship”.
“Ray was very cheeky.
“If you asked if he wanted to have some dinner you would bring him from home, he asked ‘who’s cooking?’
“He continually reminded you in his own way that he was not homeless; he had a home, and that was the wharf.
“He continued to look after it, sweep up after rowdy groups, stop graffiti, and spruced the area up through decorations and this year, solar-powered lights, at Christmas.
“We all make different choices as to how we live our lives. Ray’s answer to today’s world was to live on the ‘outside’, yet he had a community.”
TRIBUTES CONTINUE TO FLOW
Flowers, written tributes and newspaper clippings have adorned “Ray’s bench” outside Mosman Bay Wharf in the days since Ray Johnson’s death.
Mr Johnson had dubbed the bench his “summer palace” as it was where he lived during the warmer months.
He would say hello to commuters as they walked by.
In a note signed by Stefan, Priscilla and the girls, they said: “Thank you for being our friend.
“We are sad that you have left us. We have really enjoyed meeting and knowing you. We enjoyed our friendly chats down at Mosman Bay, your cheerful greeting and friendly banter.
“You didn’t have much but your spirit and generosity were great.
“Thank you for giving us the Christmas gift of light. May your light shine bright.
“Ray, we will all miss you. Rest in peace.”
Daniel and Peter said: “Thank you for the friendly greetings, casual chats and for keeping it real”.
From Sarah: “Thanks for always being there for me. I loved seeing your smile each morning. I will never ever forget you”.
FRIENDS PLAN GATHERING TO CELEBRATE RAY’S LIFE
Those who came to regard Ray Johnson as a close friend over the years are planning to hold a public memorial service at Mosman Bay Wharf.
Details are still being finalised for the memorial but the service is slated to be held either at the end of January or early February.
The Mosman Daily will publish the time and date once it has been confirmed.
It is expected the service will be a celebration of Mr Johnson’s life and allow the community to share their personal stories of the Mosman identity.
Friend and supporter Lindy Reid said many in the community had also played a role in supporting Mr Johnson.
“The local police were very supportive of him,” she said, making mention of Harbourside LAC Leading Senior Constable Steven Bell.
Ms Reid also extended her gratitude to Harryfields cafe, which is located at the wharf.
“The staff there have been wonderfully supportive to Ray,” she said.
“They deserve a pat on the back.”
BID TO PUT UP A MEMORIAL FOR A ‘CELEBRITY’
A plaque at the Mosman Bay Wharf commemorating the life of Ray Johnson would be a lasting memorial to the well-known Mosman homeless man.
“Ray was a local identity and, dare I even say it, a celebrity, ever since he appeared on breakfast television,” Ms Reid said.
“I think Mosman is often seen as a privileged and perhaps egocentric suburb.
“But the support its citizens had shown towards Ray demonstrated Mosman has a very generous heart.”
Mosman Council community support officer Lyn Kelleher said the plaque would be a positive community contribution.
“He had so many friends down at the wharf, not just the people who lived there, but those who caught the ferry,” she said.
Mr Johnson had called the wharf home for many years, alternating between his “winter palace” inside the wharf and his “summer palace” on a bench at the bus shelter.
The Mosman Daily understands moves are now under way to gain approval of Roads and Maritime Services for the plaque.
“If a proposal is received, it will be considered and consultation will be carried out with relevant local councils and stakeholders,” a RMS spokeswoman said.
LOVE FOR LIFE, CHRISTMAS, NICKNAMES
Interviewing Ray Johnson was always a highlight.
There was plenty of jovial banter — and a few expletives — as talk touched on his life at Mosman Bay Wharf and his love of Christmas.
The conversation would often be interrupted as passers-by stopped to say “Morning, Ray”, indicative of his popularity and friendly nature.
His enthusiasm for life, bringing people together and making them smile, was always evident.
When I first met Mr Johnson, he asked for my nickname, to which I replied I had none, I was simply Bryant.
“Bullshit,” he said. “Everyone has a nickname.”
He thought about it for a while and came up with the nickname “Matchbox”, a reference to the Bryant & May matchbox.
When discussion turned to Mr Johnson’s Christmas lights display at the wharf late last year, amid a row at Mosman Council over festive decorations, he was keen “to rub the salt in but I don’t want to open the wound up before I rub it in”.
“I’ll let you work that out,” he joked.
“I trust you to use that in your discretion.”
In that same conversation, I was humbled when he said: “I’m glad you’re my friend. I’m glad I’m (Mosman Daily reporter) Kate (Crawford)’s friend.”
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