Trio of 100th birthday honours for action man Sam!

by Wendy Johnson

ONE can only dream of being bestowed such accolades as a personal greeting from The Queen, a blessing from the Pope or even an Army badge of honour once in a lifetime but there’s one Warrington man who has just received all three to celebrate his 100th birthday!

Samuel ‘Sam’ Johnson, from Padgate, received his hand-delivered 100th birthday card from Her Majesty and a papal blessing from Pope Francis at a special mass of celebration at St Oswald’s Catholic Church, Padgate, on Friday last week. The following day he was centre stage again to receive a surprise decoration from The Army in recognition of his gallant service in World War 2 at a family celebration party that took place at Orford Park Community Centre.
Born on September 10th, 1921, Sam can now add his name to the elite group of centenarian Warringtonians, a milestone achievement that he, and his doting family, are extremely proud of.
The youngest of four brothers and two sisters Sam lived in Kerfoot Street, Bewsey with his parents Ellen and Daniel. He can still recall his school days attending Wycliffe Primary School until it closed in 1926. He was then one of the first pupils to move to the new Bewsey Infant and Junior School and remembers transporting books and equipment to the new building in a handcart with his classmates. He excelled in woodwork and enjoyed playing football for the school squad and recalls his first match against St.Thomas’s School and ‘thrashing’ them 13-0!
Sam’s family then moved to Lilford Avenue where he enjoyed gardening. In 1928 an enterprising Sam recalls having grown an ‘abundance’ of produce which he promptly sold from an old pram to his neighbours!
In 1937 Sam got his first job as a general labourer at the Lancashire Steel Company on Bewsey Road, but his life was about to take on a more serious note he when he was called up for National Service. At the age of eighteen, Sam was on the front line of defence with the Royal Artillery’s 39th Regiment, 240 Battery H Troop and it was during this attachment Sam and his troop successfully stopped bombs from falling on his hometown. Sam toured around the UK, including a stint at Burtonwood then travelled to North Africa, Vienna and various posts in southern Italy. After the war Sam returned home in 1947 joking: “That was the end of my free tour of Europe!” without giving a second thought that he had put his own life on the line for Queen and country.
Sam was then reemployed at Lancashire Steel, and he met his beloved wife Sybil. After a whirlwind romance they married in 1949 and moved to Wellfield Street, Bank Quay. The couple’s family grew with first daughter Lynda, son Philip and a ‘surprise’ second daughter Marie. Sadly, Sam lost his wife in 2004 and daughter Lynda in 2011.
Sam retired from Lancashire Steel in the 1983. Over the years the Johnson dynasty has continued to expand, last count being eight grandchildren, six greatgrandchildren with another arrival on the way!
When Sam left The Army, his heroism was far from over as he recalls in 1953, while cycling home from work, he jumped into Sankey and St Helens Canal to rescue a young boy from drowning. Sam received a certificate from the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society in recognition of his bravery.
Paying tribute to their dad, Philip defined him as: “A bright light, strong and dependable and generous to a fault.” while Marie said: “He’s always been a big support, all hands on, but it’s just his advice that we treasure now. We are privileged to still have him around. He’s our rock!”
Sam remains fiercely independent, being very capable of preparing his daily lunch and evening meal. He also enjoys tucking into his daughter’s home cooking. “A good appetite is essential,” he said.
..… And his secret to a long and happy life? Sam added: “An indomitable attitude, take life as it happens and make it how you want it.” …. incredibly wise words Sam! And a very happy 100th birthday to you!