Donald Keith Johns (19th July 1948 – 12th October 2021)

Donald was born at home on the Barton Estate in Headington, Oxford, on July 19, 1948, the youngest of 13 siblings.

His childhood was littered with sadness, as when he was just six months old, his mother died of breast cancer and just five days later his father was tragically killed in a car accident on the M5.

The rest of his childhood was spent in a children’s home and he never met his brothers and sisters again.

At 18 years old, Donald embarked on a fresh start and relocated to lodge with a family in Filkins. Tom and Joan Hambridge became great friends of Donald’s.

He sought work in the building industry and carved himself a trade. He then went on to work at Smith’s Industries for a few years.

In 1975, Donald began working at the Early’s Blanket Factory and two years later he met the love of his life, Carol.

Having met as pen pals, Donald travelled to Wales to meet her and said it was love at first sight for him and they started courting.

As time went by and their relationship flourished Carol moved to Oxfordshire to start a new life with Donald and her son Jason.

They set up home together in Witney and on December 23, 1978, they were married at the Bridgend Register Office. In 1980, Verity was born to complete their family.

Donald thought the world of his grandson Ethan, who was born in 2006, and loved being with him.

He loved watching Ethan play football at the weekend and, being an Oxford United fan, Donald had an amazing day when Verity arranged a private box for Donald and Ethan at Oxford United in March 2019.

Donald was a very hard-working man who dedicated his life to his family and was a great friend to many.

Four years and 10 months ago, Donald was given the terrible news that he was suffering with advanced cancer and had 12 – 18 months to live. But Donald fought the disease. After spending five days at the Katharine House Hospice he died very peacefully and with dignity, knowing he was loved by all.

Donald left Early’s Blanket Factory and went to work for Angie’s Taxi’s in 1985. Although he worked very hard, it was a job he absolutely loved and become so very well known for. He later worked for other firms.

Verity and Jason have been amazing in their love, care and support for Donald over these last few years.

Donald had a lust for life and although not financially rich he was a millionaire in the way he loved and those that loved him: his wife Carol, his daughter Verity, his stepson Jason, his little dogs and myself, along with many, many more.

Nobody I know had a bad word for him, quite the opposite.

Single words I would use would be brave, kind, helpful, caring, funny and bloody cheeky.

There are a lot of people who would do well to take a leaf from Donald’s book; a big man, big heart and who will leave a big footprint... you will be greatly missed.