Tony Johnson of Johnson Bros Tours has passed away at the age of 77 following a battle with cancer. Alongside brothers Harry and Barry, Tony helped establish Johnson Bros – originally known as Dukeries Coaches. Founded in 1954, it started running coaches at the end of the 1950s with a 41-seater Bedford.

Over its 66-year history, Johnson Brows grew substantially including the acquisition of McEwen Coaches in 1986 and Redfern Travel in 1989. The business now owns around 160 vehicles across four depots and has a well-maintained heritage fleet including tractors, trucks and motor bikes as well as its own paint and body shops.

Later in life, Tony and his wife Sheila stepped back from the business though remaining involved, living on-site at the company’s Hodthorpe depot. In his free time Tony enjoyed horse and greyhound racing, holidaying at his caravan in Skegness, and attending vehicle auctions. But his passion was collecting vintage tractors and attending events.

He is survived by Sheila, his sons and daughter, Antony, Lee, Coleen and Scott, as well as 13 grandchildren. He will be sorely missed.

Tony is photographed with his Volvo B58 Plaxton Supreme.