In Memoriam
Tom Johnson
Tom Johnson
1964 graduation
Below are an obituary followed by a letter from classmate Al Adams to Judy Johnson, Tom's widow.
Obituary
The paramount tribute for Dr. Thomas R. Johnson is his resounding,
passion for his fellow man. Humanitarian deeds will live outside the
diminished boundaries of his life. Thomas Randall Johnson died of natural
causes at his home Feb. 19, 2007. He was born May 20, 1942, to Dr. Raymond
and Nellie Johnson, both of whom preceded him in death.
As a life-long learner, Dr. Johnson's education ensued from birth to death.
His formal education began when he graduated, co-valedictorian, from
Harlowton High School in 1960. He attended Yale Undergraduate from 1960-1964
and went on to achieve his medical degree from the Yale University School of
Medicine in 1968. He completed his internship at the University of Oregon
Hospitals and Clinics in 1969. Dr. Johnson completed residencies in
Orthopedics at both the Medical College of Virginia and Yale's New Haven
Hospital between 1972 and 1975. He completed Fellowship training in Hand
Surgery in 1977. In addition, Dr. Johnson served his country as Lt.
Commander in the Navy at NYC, 1970-1972.
While pursuing a medical career, Tom married Judy Grande of Lennep, June 18,
1965. Following his education, Tom and Judy and their three children, Brett,
Burke and Paula made their home in Billings.
Professionally, Dr. Johnson served Orthopedic Surgeons from 1977 to December
2006. During his tenure, he was president of the group and served on the
Saint Vincent Board and the Montana Regional Council. Furthermore, he
practiced with the VA first part-time and then full-time from fall 2005
until present.
Dr. Johnson's longtime association with the American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons [AAOS] began when he became a fellow in 1981. He served on the AAOS
Publications Committee and as a member of the Patient Education Committee.
Dr. Johnson was a member of the Board of Councilors, a 90-member body
elected by state orthopaedic societies to advise the AAOS Board of
Directors. He acted as the AAOS monograph series liaison for a book series
to provide in-depth reviews of orthopaedic research. Dr. Johnson contended
that musculoskeletal education for primary care physicians and patients was
vital. Consequently, he served on the Editorial Boards for the first and
second editions of the Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, a textbook
intended to provide primary care physicians with information about common
orthopaedic conditions. When asked, "Why would you be so willing to do all
this work for AAOS directed to primary care physicians for free?" without
hesitation he responded, "Because they need it."
Dr. Johnson was co-Editor-in-Chief of Essentials of Musculoskeletal Imaging,
a multi-language reference text designed as an easy-to-use guide for
ordering and interpreting imaging studies for common orthopaedic conditions.
Dr. Johnson recently accepted the charge as Editor-in-Chief of the American
Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' Your Orthopaedic Connection, a visionary
website that provides orthopaedic information and tools for patients and
health care professionals.
Dr. Johnson is survived by his wife, Judy, and their three adult children:
Brett, Billings; Burke [Leslie], Denver, CO; Paula, Pocatello, ID. In
addition, Tom is survived by his brother, Greg [Washington DC].
Also, Dr. Johnson is survived by his seemingly endless contributions to
others and his unflinching passion to do that which is right. This giant of
a man had every opportunity to tout his accomplishments and seek financial
gain. Instead he turned his attention to mentoring, to providing experiences
for countless individuals and groups, and to developing lasting
relationships. Although Tom Johnson was somewhat of a shy, reserved man, his
ability to put others at ease caused him to be sought by many. He was
interested in more than medicine; he was interested in life and living. His
eyes sparkled at a new idea or a new book; his spirit soared when the Denver
Broncos prevailed; his pride exploded when his children excelled; he wept
when his partners died or a friend was wronged.
Dr. Thomas R. Johnson, you will continue to live in the thousands of lives
you've touched around the world!
Services for the public are Friday, Feb. 23, at 3:30 p.m. at Atonement
Lutheran Church with a reception following. Memorials are being accepted for
the Thomas R. Johnson Medical Scholarship Fund, Bill Tierney, RBC Dain
Rauscher, PO Box 2158, Billings, MT 59103.
Letter from Al Adams '64 to Judy Johnson
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Dear Judy:
It's been a long time since you lost Tom. I have meant to write many times
but now is the time, with the Ink Spots playing in the background and clouds
heavy over Honolulu.
The first time I ever heard of the Ink Spots was when Tom introduced them to
me in the form of a record. Oh so many years ago … 48 maybe. Pretty smooth.
A little schmaltzy … memories of Lawrence Welk. But I stuck with them,
thanks to Tom and the many things I learned from him.
"Talented end and punter" was my introduction to him, courtesy of my Father
who always wanted me to be involved with Yale football. Caving in a weak
moment, I served briefly as sub-deputy-assistant Manager, until I wore a red
pullover on the field during a Cornell game and was booed out of the
stadium. Tom had a good laugh at that one.
Laughs, good nature, low-balling, calm but not cold, a wholly decent guy.
Perhaps the first I had met in my oh-so-sophisticated Eastern Seaboard young
years. I wasn't sure just what to make of Tom at first. In time, he became
my best friend, best man, co-driver on many road trips, work mate at the
Harper Two Dot Ranch (the summer I lost the rear wheel on Jewell's big
tractor; I still remember those damned peahens and peacocks hopping up and
down for their food).
Tom, dear me, the most honest, unaffected AND brainy man I have been honored
to make a friend. Also, one of the coolest and most calm under fire I have
encountered. He was one to have at your side in a nasty place when the
lights go out.
What were Tom's lessons for me? Well, you can be an ACE and still come out
of Harlowton. Or anywhere else beyond New York City. You don't need Brooks
Brothers clothes or witty patter or cynicism to make your way in this world.
A very dry Manhattan does help (another thing Tom introduced me to). And one
of life's great lessons: settle down and work it out. Get a grip and apply
yourself. That and his consciousness of others in need … in pain. As a
physician he answered that call. And as Doc Loesse's partner, pioneered
techniques which brought to many a fuller life. Humility is it, like so many
of the quiet songs of the Ink Spots.
So many memories of this man ― football games, accounts of his vacations
with you at home, that white leather car coat he wore everywhere (I cringed
at the sight☺), the flawless integrity and straight talk.
l owe much to Tom. Hard sometimes to drag it out of me. But as I write,
there are tears in my eyes ― for Tom, for you, for your children, for all
who have lived and loved and lost and who keep faith with what is important.
Friends, mates, people in need.
I am sorry not to have done a better job at staying in touch with Tom when I
had the chance. And with you, now.
Fondly,
Al
1910 Ala Moana Blvd, Apt 33D
Honolulu, HI
96815
adamsa007@mac.com
tel: 808-554-5858