Back in July of 2012, I kicked the Plan [b] Project into high gear, by helping a Bermuda national treasure, Johnny Barnes. I had noticed, then at the age of 89, that Johnny was having problems standing all day at his normal spot on the Foot of the Lane roundabout. I had spoken up and got Johnny both a bench and hand rail. There were many people that complained (see older articles under our [b] News link above) but I knew it was the right thing to do. I think, that bench and hand rail gave us over 3 1/2 additional years of Johnny spreading love and joy, 5 days week, from that spot.
As I rarely drive to town (as I am blessed enough to take the ferry) last Thursday my son and I drove in and I was shocked not to see Johnny at his normal spot. You see, Johnny was always there, rain or shine, in sickens and in health. Him not being there…was not normal. And the island started asking questions. Earlier today, we found out that Johnny, now at the age of 92, may be looking to retire. See Royal Gazette article below.
His trademark “I love you” greetings for commuters have made him famous all over the world — but now Johnny Barnes is considering waving goodbye.
Mr Barnes, who has not been his usual early-morning permanent presence at the entrance to the city for the past few weeks, told The Royal Gazette that he was considering “retirement” at the age of 92.
He said he had been having problems with his legs recently, and although he hoped to continue his daily ritual at the roundabout at the bottom of Trimingham Hill, he was not sure he could do so.
“When you get to 92 you have to slow down a little bit,” he said.
“When you have an old bike you can put oil on the wheels to make them go, but I can’t put oil on these knees.
“I have been at home resting and relaxing for the last couple of weeks and I’m just not sure at the moment whether I can carry on what I have been doing for so long.
Johnny Barnes waves from the Foot of the Lane roundabout
“I am thinking of retirement, but have not made a final decision yet.”
Mr Barnes has greeted the Island every weekday morning for more than 50 years.
He started waving at passers-by while he was working as an electrician on the Bermuda Railway. He made it a daily tradition when he was just 23.
In 2012 a new bench was installed at his spot on Crow Lane after Mr Barnes suffered a fall while waving to motorists.
Mr Barnes’s recent absence from the Paget roundabout has prompted concerns about his health and welfare on the Island.
“I want everyone to know that I will always love them and I am thinking of them,” he said.
“I hope people continue to look up and keep saying yes. But for me sometimes you have to listen to your body.”
Original article by Simon Jones, Published Dec 22, 2015 at 8:00 am (Updated Dec 22, 2015 at 8:32 am)
