Audio from the tribute night to the late Johnny Croskery held at Scotty and Mal's Cocktail and Lounge Bar in Wellington. Johnny passed away on 19 April 2012.
Summary
This abstract summarizes the memorial event for Johnny Croskery, captured in an audio recording from Scotty and Mal's Cocktail Bar in Wellington on May 17, 2012. The event was a tribute to the life and legacy of Johnny Croskery, who passed away on April 19, 2012, and featured the voices of several individuals who knew Johnny personally.
The event served as both a remembrance and celebration of Johnny. It was intended to be an informal occasion full of fond reminiscences rather than a formal memorial service. People gathered at the bar were invited to share their memories of Johnny, and the atmosphere was relaxed with food and an open mic. Moreover, the event included the playback of an audio track featuring Johnny's own voice recounting anecdotes, adding a personal touch to the tribute.
Johnny was remembered for their vibrant personality and their impact on others. As a fixture in Wellington's community and especially within the hospitality scene, Johnny was known for their warmth, kindness, and the absence of negative words about anyone. Their distinct appearance with a trademark red wig and dynamic presence were subjects of much fond recollection.
One speaker recollected driving Johnny in a parade, showcasing their glamorous demeanor with white fluffy dogs accompanying them. Another shared memories of Johnny's longstanding relationship with their partner, Peter, noting their decades of companionship and the incredible impact Johnny had made in their life together. Special mention was made of the house Johnny shared with Peter, which was filled with operatic decor and served as a hub for their creative expression, including costume sewing.
Significantly, Johnny's contributions to the community extended beyond their vivacious social presence. Attendees highlighted Johnny's deep compassion and voluntary service at the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, where they devoted countless hours to caring for people dying of AIDS. Despite the adversity Johnny faced, including public harassment, they lived a life full of magic and kindness without becoming bitter.
Heartfelt stories illustrated Johnny's generous nature, from posing for photographs with an attendee's mother to sharing their extensive wardrobe with Sister Paula Brettkelly, who would win fancy dress contests by donning Johnny's ensembles.
In concluding the tributes, attendees raised their glasses in thanks to Johnny, celebrating their life and the memories that would endure among friends and the wider community. The recording serves as a testament to the life of an individual who was not only vibrant but also dedicated to service and care for others, leaving an indelible mark on all whose lives they touched.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
Tags
Tags (computer generated)
ambassador, audience, birthday, cars, cats, children, chill, christmas, class, coming out, community, costumes, courage, dancing, devotion parade, fairy, faith, fancy dress, fear, food, fun, funeral, gay, god, hell, hospitality, job, journey, kindness, laughter, love, loyalty, makeup, mary, memorial, nature, newtown, opera, other, parade, people, podcast, policy, queen, queen mary, queer, remembrance, role model, shopping, smiling, strength, the other side, time, treaty, voice, walking, wig, window dressing, witness, work