JOHNSTONE Ivan "Bonnie" 10th July 1982
10 July 1982
Vale Ivan "Bonnie" Johnstone.
It is with great regret that we record the passing of Bonnie Johnstone undoubtedly one of Chelsea's greatest players. His career started in 1931 aged 15 as a junior player winning a trophy that year. 1932 saw Bonnie play in the Industrial League with The Abbotsford Brewery where he travelled to the city Saturday mornings, home for lunch and then played for Chelsea in the afternoon. He won a Best & Fairest for The Brewery and was a member of The Chelsea 1932 Premiership side. He was a 5 time Best & Fairest winner in 1933, 1935, 1936, 1937 and 1940 and also won The Federal District League Best and Fairest in each of those seasons.
Bonnie was Senior Coach in 1937, 1938, 1946, 1947 and 1953 and was awarded Life Membership in 1947. He coached Juniors and won flags in 1955 and 1957. He coached the combined Federal District League sides against The South Australia in Adelaide and won 12-8-80 to SA 7-13-55. He also coached The Federal District League side against The Diamond Valley League and was again victorious. A tribute to Bonnie was published in the Football News. "Bonnie" Johnstone coach of successful Federal District League Team for 2nd successive year.
Bonnie was reared on football since he could walk. He came up through The Chelsea Juniors and made a name for himself as one of the most outstanding centremen ever to play in The Federal District League. His playing career extended over 25 years, a feat which few will surpass. He has coached The Chelsea Juniors for many years and won the premiership last year.
For the services he has rendered he was made a Life Member of The Federal District Football League. He possessed an astute football brain and his ability to mix freely with players and officials alike, made him a worthy choice. Bonnie for many years was a delegate to The Federal District Football League.
Bonnie passed away on Saturday 10th July 1982 and on that day he was at the Chelsea ground and told officials he was looking forward to the old players reunion which was to be held some 7 weeks away.
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