300 people at artist`s funeral, Teesdale Mercury

300 people at artist`s funeral

Jun 26, 2002

OVER 300 people attended a Humanist funeral celebration for Staindrop artist, teacher and musician, Deryk "Ben" Johnson at Darlington Crematorium on Thursday ­ so many that for some there was standing room only.





Ben, who was 58, died at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough on June 13, after having been taken ill suddenly at his cottage studio, deep in Raby Woods, at the end of May, when workmen came to his aid. He leaves a widow, Lynda, who teaches art and technology part-time at Staindrop School, and three children, Ben, Sophie and Joe.

"He was a man who loved life, loved people, loved his pupils, many of whom kept in touch once they had left school and became firm friends. He loved animals and nature," said Lynda. "His second home was his studio cottage in Raby Woods, kindly loaned to him by Lord Barnard, and whenever possible, he packed his flask and sarnies and off he went, with his dog, Mabel, to walk and paint in the woods.

"He refused to have a mobile phone because he didn¹t want anything to disturb his total peace and tranquility at his studio. That was why it was so lucky that there were some workmen there when he was first taken ill. He touched so many lives in so many ways, always having a smile and a joke for everyone," she said.

It is thought that over 300 people attended the celebration of his life, many of them standing outside the chapel at Darlington Crematorium. The service was taken by Christine Swales, an officiant of the British Humanist

Association, and included messages from many of his friends, most of which talked of his humour and the warm legacy he left to them.

Barry Waldron, his friend, piped the coffin in to the celebration and farewell, where Vaughan Williams, Thomas Tallis and Going Home, featuring another friend, saxophonist Luke Shingler, were played.

Ben was a former member of the pop group The Animals, and so his eldest son selected the final piece of music "We¹ve Gotta Get Out of This Place," a most appropriate choice as people left in the sunshine.

There followed a toast at the Wheatsheaf Inn at Staindrop. A rum punch(rum being his favourite tipple) was arranged and concocted by his friend, Keith Mudd.

Finally, there was a large party at his home to celebrate his life, where everyone was welcome, because he loved parties.

"I really would like to thank everyone who donated to the James Cook University Hospital at Middlesbrough on Ben¹s behalf," said Lynda. "Over £400 was collected. The hospital was absolutely brilliant, everyone was so kind, nice and helpful, and they kept me in the picture all of the time. I even got a card from them."

Ben was born in Newcastle, in September, 1943, and had lived in Staindrop for about 32 years. He taught at Staindrop School, in art and photography, until he took early retirement in 1997 to concentrate on full-time painting. On Thursday morning, a special assembly was dedicated to him at the school.

"He loved Staindrop because of the beauty of the village and he had so many friends here," said Lynda. "He loved his art, he loved his music, he played the guitar and loved walking. He was a real home bird," she added.

Ben had also had many exhibitions, all over the north east, and in 1998 had taken part in a summer exhibition at the Hatton Gallery at Newcastle University.