Former Sprint Great Laid to Rest

Mon, Mar 21st 2016, 05:23 PM


The late Mr. Kevin Johnson was an outstanding Bahamian athlete, who also served his country as a Police Reservist who rose to Superintendent of Police. (BIS Photos/Vandyke Hepburn)

Hundreds attended a Requiem Eucharist for the life of the late Edwin Luther Kevin Johnson, regarded as one of the fastest Bahamian sprinters ever, March 19, 2016.

Born September 4, 1952, “Kevin” as he was affectionately called passed away on March 8th. A semi-military funeral was held in his honour this past Saturday at the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King Anglican Church.

Among those paying tribute to the former sprint king was Minister of National Security the Hon. Dr. Bernard Nottage; Tall Pines Member of Parliament Leslie Miller; Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville; and Freeport News General Manager/Managing Editor Fredrick R. Sturrup, a longtime friend.

In the 60s Kevin Johnson’s name was large throughout The Bahamas and in the world of athletics. He became the center of attraction at a very young age competing in the Commonwealth Games, and in 1968 was invited to participate in the Olympic Games which were held in Mexico City.

The Bahamas Track and Field Team at the time included the likes of the great Thomas Robinson, Bernard Nottage, Leslie Miller and Norris Stubbs.

Kevin was again selected to the Bahamas Olympic squad for the 1972 Olympics Games held in Munich, Germany.

The Nassau-born athlete was also a Police Reservist who rose to the position of Superintendent of Police, and was a businessman – proprietor of Mr. Clean Maintenance, Landscaping and Janitorial Service.

Kevin was also an active member of St. Jude’s Anglican Church and the Anglican Church Men Association. He was involved with the Harbour Boys Junkanoo Group.

Described as a fun-loving personality who was proud to have represented his country to the best of his ability, Kevin was one of the sporting greats inducted into the Class of 2014 National Hall of Fame.

On Saturday, Dr. Bernard Nottage, a former track star, talked about the great relationship he and Mr. Johnson enjoyed over the years and his outstanding talents.

He said Kevin was one who loved his family and his country.

By Simon Lewis

Bahamas Information Services

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