A long-time fighter for the community has lost his battle with cancer.
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Southern Highlands businessman Charlie Johns passed away on January 10.
Born December 3, 1945, he had only recently marked his 75th birthday.
To say that Charlie was passionate about his community and a strong campaigner for matters close to his heart would be an understatement.
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He held many roles in the community over the years including Mittagong Chamber of Commerce president, Southern Highlands Ratepayers' Association secretary, Southern Highlands Arts and Recreation Kommittee (SHARK) secretary, an active supporter of the Kollege of Knowledge for Kids Kommittee (4Ks), and a Tulip Time committee member.
Charlie was a also key campaigner against the demolition of Mittagong Bowling Club and a driving force behind The Stop Environmental Vandalism (Saving Mittagong Bowling Club), a sub-committee of the Mittagong Chamber of Commerce. He was also an avid council watcher.
Football was also a great interest of Charlie. He was a member and staunch supporter of the Bowral Blacks Rugby Club and a dedicated supporter of the Cronulla Sharks Rugby League Club having spent his youth growing up in Cronulla.
His friends and colleagues have remembered Charlie especially for his dedication to the community and strength of character that saw him fight through the many challenges of his illness over the past six years.
Bowral Blacks president Mark Freund said he was sad to hear of Charlie's passing, but knew he had battled for a long time.
"He was part of our 'Old Boys' that did a lot for the club including setting up for our junior and senior home games," he said.
"Charlie did a lot for our club and he wanted nothing in return. He would be there a 7am to clean down the balcony, put out the bins and do what ever else was needed for our home games.
"We owe him a lot for what he did. He will be sorely missed."
Saddened by the passing of a friend, Nick Campbell-Jones spoke on behalf of The Table of No Knowledge (TONK) a group of good friends, including Charlie, who gather regularly for coffee and a banter on many topics including sport, politics, local politics and generally give support to each other.
The group members pay a fee with each meeting matched by Coffee Culture owner Chris Peterson which is donated to the 4Ks each year.
"Charlie Johns has left us after a long battle with cancer. He was uncomplaining in the face of a lousy time," Nick said.
"Charlie had a big heart and continued with his life and never gave in when most of us would have surrendered.
"Charlie was very community-minded and involved himself in a wide range of community events. He was happy for a stoush if necessary!
"His big heart extended to helping anyone for whatever they needed. His energy was incredible which means he helped a lot of people.
"We of the 'Table of No Knowledge' (TONK) will be poorer for his passing. A lot of people, family and those who loved him will miss him."
Charlie is survived by his wife Liz, a son and two grandchildren.
Due to covid-19 restrictions Charlie will be farewelled in an invitation-only service for family and close friends.
Prior to his passing Charlie requested donations be made to Can Assist in lieu of flowers.
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