Ulsterman Lee 'Janty' Johnston who died fighting in Ukraine was 'north Belfast legend' says MLA
A man who died fighting for Ukrainian forces was a “north Belfast legend” says a unionist MLA.
According to a post on a Ukrainian social media feed dedicated to foreign fighters who had signed up to serve alongside Ukrainian troops, the man was Lee Johnston.
Numerous people on social media have stated he was from Belfast, and that he went by the nickname Janty.
The post on the Facebook page ‘Memorial/Меморіал – International Volunteers for Ukraine’ states: “Please help us honor him so that he is not forgotten.
“Our beloved British brother Lee Johnston, who had been serving in Ukraine as a volunteer succumbed on the battlefield.
“Honor, glory and gratitude to our brother.”
It is not clear when or how he died, and the operators of the page said they were not authorised to give details.
Micky Kelly, senior head coach of Dockers Amateur Boxing Club in Sailortown, north Belfast, said: “Lee grew up on Greymount estate and joined our club at the age of 14 ‘til he was 17.
"He won countless Co Antrim and Ulster titles and boxed in the all-Irelands too.”
He said he also reached the final in championships in England, “which was a great achievement for himself and the club”.
He added: "Lee made many friends from different backgrounds in the club and outside too and was a well-liked and known person who got on with everyone.
"Prior to leaving for Ukraine he came back and did a bit of training in the club.
"He will be sadly missed by the coaches and those that knew him very well.”
Among those also reacting was Phillip Brett, DUP MLA for North Belfast.
“It was with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Lee – a north Belfast legend who gave so much of his time to help others,” he said.
“His bravery, compassion, and kindness touched the lives of so many.
“Lee will be remembered not only for his courage but for the warmth and generosity he showed to everyone he met.
“Thinking of his family and friends at this heartbreaking time.”
Geoff Dowey, whose Facebook profile states he is from Jordanstown but now living in Kyiv, said: “With great sadness I discovered that we lost a friend and anyone who knew Janty will share our grief.
“A quick note, COCA on his uniform was his nickname by his squad because he was addicted to Coca-Cola and was always getting punishment for drinking too much, but Janty laughed at push-ups or any physical exercise as punishment.”
Lewis Gallagher, from Belfast, wrote: “At ease, solider. What a man and friend, who played a huge part in all of our lives growing up on the Shore Road.
“You’ll never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Lee Johnston – ‘Janty’.”
David Patterson, also from Belfast, wrote: “Died for a cause you believed in. Did so much for the youth along our road. Rest easy, Big Jant Man.
“Gutted for the family and all the ones he helped out over the years. The list is endless he did so much for the youth along the Shore Road.”
Maureen Lightbody from Newtownabbey wrote: “Absolutely devastated for Delores and family, hearing the passing of Lee.
“He will be truly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and who loved him.
“He was the life and soul of the party. Heartbroken beyond words. Rest easy Lee.”