On Thursday March 19, as most of the region were waiting to see if Cyclone Nathan was going to turn south, around 95 residents and special guests met at Salsa Restaurant to farewell one of the community’s most appreciated personalities.

Paula Johnson's close friends arranged the wake for Paula and Sno Morrish, Paula's partner.

Irene Denholm and Karen Burchill both spoke at the wake, along with Ken Dobbs, all three having spent significant time with Paula over the years.

Karen and Irene wanted to thank Salsa Bar N Grill restaurant, everyone who supported Paula and Sno through Paula’s illness, Mossman & Port Douglas Community Funerals, Doctors and Staff of the Mossman Hospital and Dr Edward.

Ms Burchill had the following to say about Paula:

“Paula was born a year before World War II ended, in Altona, Manitoba in Canada.  

Her father was a radio engineer with the Canadian Army during the War and was decorated for distinguished service.  

Paula’s mother went overseas with the first contingent of the Royal Canadian Air Force Women’s Division during World War II.  

The couple married in England in 1943. 

Paula was the only child of parents who were themselves only children.

Paula’s grandmothers names were Mertle Merle Johnston and Sarah Gertrude Johnson. They wanted Paula to be named Mertle Gertrude, but Paula’s parents, Paul and Jacqueline wouldn’t have a bar of it – thank goodness!  

So, Paula was named Paula after her father with her mother’s name, Jacqueline, as her second name.

She went to Laurentian High School in Ottawa.  Paula once told me that when she left school she was hungry to experience “life”.  She received a Bachelor of Arts from Carelton University Ottawa Canada and completed a 2 year part time course to receive a Law Clerk’s Certificate.  She worked for Smith Lyons Barristers and Solicitors in the property department and her employer tried to persuade her to commence a law degree.

Paula married Peter Holman in 1968 but they drifted apart and were divorced in 1978.

Paula travelled to Australia and became an Australian citizen in 1985.  She first worked as a mortgage broker and then became the NSW manager of the Central Mortgage Register of Australia Pty Ltd until 1986 when she settled in Port Douglas.  Paula worked at the Sheraton site for the construction architects, for John Morris and for Gary Masters.  Paul met Sno and they have been together for 25 years or so.  She opened up House Stuff in Warner Street and then moved the business to Macrossan Street.  House Stuff was sold in 2007.

Since then, Paula worked tirelessly for the community with the Chamber of Commerce

Paula experienced a pain in her back in November.  She thought that she had pulled a muscle, gardening.  She was diagnosed with lung cancer in November.  Her specialist indicated that they could beat the cancer with surgery.  Paula went to Townsville for a PET scan with Sno.  The results of the scan indicated extensive lung and brain cancer.

Paula fought on.  Next followed the 20 treatments of radiation therapy, which finished shortly before Christmas.  The next scan was in early January and it was discovered that the cancer had in fact increased dramatically.

Paula opted for a program of chemotherapy. She was admitted to hospital straight after that appointment in Mossman on 12 January 2015 and passed away 4 weeks and one day later.

Ken Dobbs added his voice to the proceedings:

“I knew Paula for 10 years through her work with the Chamber, Carnivale and as a friend. She was a strong, sensitive, supportive, committed and fun person to be with. It was always about what was best for the town, Carnivale or whatever she was involved with and never about what was best for Paula. She was highly respected by those who worked with her and as said by one of them she was a dynamic powerhouse.

Paula was a beautiful person who I will miss greatly and whose contribution to this town has been significant. A bright spark has gone out in the world.”

The memorial featured the following poem by Irene Denholm:

Heaven cant Wait

God didn't know what hit him

When she swept in through the gates

“My name is Paula Johnson

And I've brought you cups and plates!

I've already lived in Paradise

So I'm going to feel at home

I'd like an office with a view

And a cloud to call my own

I know you run a real good show

But I can do some more

I'll get things going to be sure

They ll be clamouring at your door

A Carnivale! A marathon!

A great 6 star Hotel!

It's right here on my laptop

It'll be an easy sell”

Then she jumped up with excitement

As she noticed other clouds

A restaurant to die for

Populated by the crowds

She cried “I see my table

Its the one just over there

The one just in the corner

With sea breezes in the air

I'm used to great linguine

With yabbies good and fresh

My wine, I see you've got it

It's known as Pinot Gres

I'll share my meals with Christopher

Maggie Bligh and Chisel too

And there's the Tart and Ivan

It's too good to be true!

I'll also look up Bassie

and get Russell on the line

And Adrian is on the list

To join this group so fine!”

Then she gasped and almost fainted

As she heard familiar sound

A bark and yap of happiness

Came from her faithful hound

All ears and paws and lolling tongue

Came Buster from the right

He barrelled straight in to her arms

It was a magic sight!

Amidst this scene of mayhem

God stepped in to join the fray

His shoulders shook with laughter

And he had some words to say

“My dearest Paula Johnson

Sainthood's clearly not your fate

Yet here you are with wondrous dreams

And Heaven just can't wait!”