Staff and students pay tribute to Queen's University Vice Chancellor

By David Hunter

Academics and students turned out in droves this afternoon to say a final good by to the late Vice Chancellor of Queen's University.

Professor Patrick Johnson died suddenly at his holiday home in Donegal on Sunday, aged 58.

The cortege passed the Lanyon building at Queen's University so that staff and students could pay a "final and fitting tribute" en route to St Brigid's for Burial in Desertegney Cemetery, Linsford, in  Buncrana.
 

The funeral has taken place in Belfast of Queen's University Vice Chancellor, Patrick Johnston who died suddenly on Sunday aged 58. pic.twitter.com/Prtrhr7gXu

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 8, 2017

Mourners gathered at St Brigid’s Parish Church in  Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast  this morning for requiem mass.

Photo by Pacemaker Press

Former First Minister Arlene Foster was among the mourners.

The Derry native was a major force in cancer research and services here.

Photo by: Pacemaker Press

Professor Johnson's remains arrived at Desertegney Cemetery in Buncrana in county Donegal, this evening.

The senior academic's death was announced by the University on Sunday evening. 

In a statement university's registrar, James O'Kane said: ""It is with a deep sense of shock and loss, we announce the untimely and sudden death of our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patrick Johnston."