Newfoundland businessman, philanthropist Paul Johnson dies at 86

Newfoundland businessman and philanthropist Paul Johnson, of Johnson Insurance, died Monday at the age of 86.

Johnson was a pioneer in the insurance industry and a prominent figure in the Canadian business community.

Born in 1929, Johnson entered the family business in 1949. Six years later he became CEO of Johnson Insurance, buying all the company shares.

By 1995, the Johnson-Unifund Group operated in every province in Canada.

Johnson was also known for helping preserve and promote the history and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Johnson Family Foundation, which he created in 1987, has put more than $50 million towards projects such as the Railway Coastal Museum, the Johnson Geo Centre, and Harbourside Park in St. John's.

Johnson also heavily funded the Grand Concourse, an integrated 160-kilometre walkway system linking every major park, river, pond and green space in six municipalities on the northeast Avalon.

Among many accolades, Johnson received the Order of Canada, was made an honorary doctor of laws by Memorial University of Newfoundland, and was one of the first recipients of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.

In 2008, he was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Business Hall of Fame.

Johnson passed away peacefully at his home in St. John's.