Nicholas Johnson, principal of St George's British International School in Rome died suddenly on the 14 May 2008 in Rome while driving on Via Trionfale on his way to the school on Via Cassia with his son Fergus.

Having been diagnosed with a heart condition two years ago, Johnson continued to lead the school in pursuit of ambitions that have seen the school enter one of the most prosperous, purposeful and confident periods in its 50-year history.

Throughout his four years as principal Johnson insisted that the school should be a community where everyone was valued, able to realize their varied potentials and, above all, be happy. He will be remembered, over and above the capabilities that made him a distinguished teacher and principal, as a modest and fundamentally humane individual for whom the interests and needs of others came first. He was popular with children and parents alike.

The school community and many ex-pats in Rome will miss his guidance, personal warmth and humour.

A Memorial Service in his memory will be held at 10.00 on Sat 17 May at the church adjoining the school, Sacri Cuori di Gesu