The Johnson family - from left, front, John Johnson and son Thomas, middle, wife Maggee, daughter Georgina; top, niece and nephew Rachael Harrington and James Harrington

by Lauren Fruen

The sudden death of Farming World creator John Johnson has sent shockwaves through Faversham.

The father-of-two died suddenly while on holiday with his wife Maggee in Scotland.

Mr Johnson, 65, was responsible - along with Maggee - for creating Farming World in Boughton and also successfully ran Mockbeggar Farm in Teynham and the pack house at Buckland.

His family and friends have paid tribute to a "generous and genuine" man and "amazing dad" who raised thousands of pounds for charity.

He was heavily involved with charity groups in the town, including the Rotary Club and the Round Table and raised money for Faversham carnival.

John's daughter Georgina Johnson, who now runs Farming World with her husband Darren, said: "My parents had driven up to Scotland. They arrived on Thursday evening and he died that evening. His death was a complete shock.

"My brother and I flew up to Scotland the next day to be with them.

"He did so much for the town. He could not walk down the street in Faversham without someone talking to him. He was so well known.

"he did so much for the town. he could not walk down the street in faversham without someone talking to him…” – georgina johnson

"He was the most amazing dad. He was just a lovely, genuine man. He was so friendly and he always wanted to help people.

"So many people have commented and paid tribute to him since his death."

The grandfather-of-one was born and raised in Faversham.

He married wife Maggee at Faversham parish council in 1973.

Mayor of Faversham and fellow Rotary club member, David Simmons, paid tribute to Mr Johnson.

He said: "He was such a gentleman. A really nice guy. He was always willing to lend a hand and help where he could.

"He was so generous with his time and he is going to be sorely missed by all in the community.

"I have had messages from Rotary clubs around the world to send their condolences."

The funeral will be held at St Mary’s Parish Church, Faversham on the June, 28 at 12.30pm and at Bobbing Crematorium at 2pm. Farming World will be closed as a mark of respect on the day.

A post mortem confirmed Mr Johnson died of cardiac enlargement.