Eastern league community mourns ex-Vermont and Boronia player Luke Johnson
Hearts are heavy at the Vermont and Boronia football clubs following the death of former player Luke Johnson, who is being remembered as “a great leader” and a “kind and passionate” teammate, friend, husband and father.
Eastern
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Tributes have poured in for former Vermont and Boronia footballer Luke Johnson following his death at the age of 33.
Johnson was diagnosed with stage 4A bowel cancer in April last year before undergoing six months of chemotherapy.
He underwent surgery in December to remove two thirds of his bowel and the metastatic spread throughout the peritoneum, but the cancer returned a couple of months later and was no longer curable.
He is survived by wife Tegan and baby daughter Willow, who the couple welcomed in June.
Brother Nick Johnson confirmed the news on a GoFundMe page launched in support of the family.
“Unfortunately I write to share the heartbreaking news of Luke’s passing,” he wrote.
“He was surrounded by family including the newest addition, his beautiful daughter Willow. Resilient and positive right through to the end, inspirational is an understatement.”
Vermont Football Club said Johnson’s “passion and dedication inspired many” adding he was a “great leader on and off the field” having captained multiple premierships across 119 games.
“He was one of four players that played in each of the three reserves consecutive premiership teams in 2012, 2013 and 2014,” the club said.
“Beyond all, Luke was a kind and passionate teammate, friend, husband to Tegan and father to his newborn baby girl Willow.
“He touched those who he knew for years, or others that he met once or twice with his message to enjoy every moment and to never take life for granted.
“Our thoughts and love are with Luke’s family, friends and teammates during this tough time.”
Boronia Football Netball Club said it was “enormously saddened”.
Johnson joined the Hawks in 2016, featuring in the club’s reserves flag in a triple-premiership-winning season in 2018.
“The Boronia Hawks Football Netball Club community is enormously saddened to learn of the passing of former player Luke Johnson after a courageous battle with bowel cancer over many years,” the club said.
“Luke was a very good footballer, but more importantly he was a very good man who will be sadly missed by his many friends and teammates.
“The club sends it very deepest sympathy to Luke’s wife Tegan and baby Willow, born in June of this year.”
Several other Eastern league clubs have sent their condolences.
The GoFundMe page, launched in May 2023, has raised more than $78,000 after an initial $10,000 target.
“On behalf of Luke, Tegan, Willow and our families, I would like to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts and hope you get a smile knowing you had an impact,” Nick wrote on the page.
“Luke spoke often of how immensely grateful he was for all the support and how it gave him strength in the darker moments.
“Rest peacefully Luke.”
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