Family pay tribute to popular Leeds pub landlord who died of coronavirus

Tony Johnston, 54, died after testing positive for Covid-19 on Monday, March 30.

He ran The Coach & Horses in Rothwell with his wife Debbie and his son Billy, 23.

Tony was born into a large family in Huyton, Liverpool, in July 1965.

He was a grafter from early on and left school at age 14 to start working on the docks, and then moved into construction.

His trademark "get up and go" attitude saw him move to Tenerife in his late teens to find work during the winter.

What was supposed to be a short trip ended up turning into a 30-year stay.

During this time he had two sons - becoming a dad to Billy in 1997 and Sam in 2000.

Keen to provide for them, he built up a successful construction business, building many bars, villas and apartment blocks on the Spanish island.

The father-of-two prided himself on teaching his young employees the skills he had learned over the years.

His wife Debbie said: "Anybody that knew Tony over in Tenerife knew that he would always help others wherever he could.

"He liked to see people happy and thriving.

"He would make time for anyone, even when he was busy himself".

Tony and his family moved back to England in 2016 to start a new life and be closer to family.

In 2018, the family decided to become landlords of The Coach & Horses, a traditional pub on Wakefield Road.

He ran the pub with Debbie and son Billy while Sam went to university in Glasgow.

What attracted Tony to the pub was its strong, local community spirit.

Billy said: "The pub is a very traditional, family pub with a bit of an 80s vibe.

"It always has such a welcoming atmosphere, great people and most importantly for Tony, it is a real community pub.

"Tony made many friends in the pub, some strong friendships that would last a lifetime.

"He was always going around and chatting to new and old customers, making sure that everyone was enjoying themselves and happy with everything.

"He was loved and cherished by all."

Debbie, Billy and Sam have now thanked people for kind messages and support following Tony's death.

The family said: "We would like to thank everyone for their lovely messages, cards, flowers and help at this awful time.

"It has been a great comfort knowing there are so many people out there thinking about us.

"Tony had some tough times but his family meant everything to him.

"He will be truly missed by us, his family, friends and everyone in the community.

"He will be remembered for the kindness, humbleness and happiness he brought to everyone.

"We love and miss you, Debbie, Billy & Sam."

Tony is survived by wife Debbie, sons Billy and Sam, brothers Ray, Dez, and Steven and his sister Lynn.