Chinatown security guard who made headlines when he was attacked dies suddenly

A beloved Chinatown security guard who was attacked on the job in August 2022 has now died from a fatal heart attack.

A stranger assaulted Harold Johnson as he made his regular morning rounds at the Chinese Cultural Centre near East Pender and Columbia streets.

The attack left Johnson, who was 64 years old at the time, with a concussion and a broken nose and cheekbone.

He returned to the job in December 2022, but announced he was leaving soon after.

Johnson, 67, passed away on Dec. 18 after suffering a heart attack outside the Canadian Tire on Grandview Highway, with his wife witnessing the attack.

Community members have now launched a fundraiser for his wife, Brandy LaRocque Johnson, who is now facing both profound grief and immediate instability.

1:58 Well-known security guard attacked in Vancouver’s Chinatown

The organizers of the fundraiser say the money raised will go to help pay for funeral and memorial expenses, living costs, paying bills, providing stability and essentials during the weeks and months ahead and supporting LaRocque Johnson as needed.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

When he retired in December 2022, Johnson was honoured at Vancouver City Hall with a proclamation acknowledging his years of service to Chinatown.

In a statement on Monday, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said that Johnson was a steady and caring presence in Chinatown for more than two decades.

“He showed up day after day, building trust and earning deep respect from those who lived and worked in Chinatown,” Sim said.

“At a time when Chinatown was facing some of its greatest challenges, Harold’s story was one of resilience and strength. He was an inspiration to both me, and many members of our team.”

Sim said his heart is with Johnson’s wife and everyone in the community.

“Harold didn’t just work in Chinatown, he carried it in his heart,” said Lorraine Lowe, one of the organizers of the online fundraiser said in a statement.

“He showed up for this community day after day. Now Brandy is grieving a devastating loss, and she’s facing serious financial hardship at the exact moment she’s most vulnerable.”

The suspect in the attack, Kevin Hibbard, was found dead on Feb. 1, 2023 near Vancouver General Hospital under non-criminal circumstances.