Jerry Lynne (Johnson) Treinen - North Eugene Neighbor

To Tom Johnson's Wonderful Family  - My husband, Larry, and I had the good fortune to live next door to you in North Logan from 1985 - 1988.  One of life's enduring lessons is that, however brief, the friendliness of others can touch your soul.  In honor of your special dad, and mom, I share these memories. 

 

In 1985, if you turned onto 1900 North, your house and ours both had old green trucks in the driveway.  Though neither were handsome, your dad's was much better looking than ours.  When we first moved next door to you from a more urban area, I watched Tommy and Jared running through the back yard playing deer and hunter.  Tommy was the deer with a broken tree branch set of antlers on his head.  I knew then that we weren't in the city any longer.  During those hot Utah summers, you always had a great garden out back.  What I remember most is the horseradish.  One summer day, Tailona, was playing in the water in our front yard and accidentally left the hose on which slipped into the window well of our house.  For a few hours, we had this nice little fish pond in the basement window which gradually drained away.  Your mom was so apologetic, but we loved sweet little Tailona, and the incident still gives me a smile. 

 

Lastly, when I read of your dad's passing (College of Education News Magazine), I pulled from the bookshelf of our Oregon home, a gift given to us years ago by your family.  Inside the front cover is a photo of all of you - a beautiful family captured in time and in my memory.  Below the photo your father has written, "As a family, we present to you our most cherished possession, The Book of Mormon."  My best tribute to him is to close with his own words.  "May God bless you in your efforts to read this sacred volume.  It can change your entire life and eternity."  Thomas S. Johnson         

Deborah Amundson - former COM-D graduate student

I was saddened to hear of Tom's passing.  As a former USU COM-D student in the Outreach program, I didn't know him extremely well, but he was the chair of my committee when I was receiving my Master's.  He was always warm, welcoming, and interested in what I had to say, ( mostly I was asking the questions, and he was answering them.) I heard about his death just shortly after, but didn't know about this tribute site until I read my new newsletter from the USU Education Dept.  I want his family to know I respect and admire him, and that he will be missed by all who knew him.  I am truly sorry for this loss. My interaction with Tom was not a lot, but he will be remembered as a kind, pleasant, and supportive friend.

Krissy "Popcorn" Richards-Simmons

Being a Utah State gymnast, I had the honor of being blessed with the
presence of Tom and his family in my life. Tom was such a wonderful
man and such a dedicated Aggie gymnastics fan. I remember when Tom
came to my house with a bag of my favorite popcorn the year I broke my
hand showing the Johnson family support. Tom and his family were
always such a loving, supportive force throughout my years at Utah
State. I feel so lucky to have been able to know Tom...and he will be
missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Johnson
family.

Love, Krissy

On The Road Again - I'm Goin' Home

Dad was famous for ending his concerts and guitar sessions with the following Medley:

king_medley.mp3

I like to imagine him leaving this earthly life singing this tune.

Thank you everyone for sharing your tributes. I encourage those who have not yet done so to please share. The directions are at the top of this page.

Tommy

Prent and Joy Klag -Colleague and Friends - Our Deepest Sympathy

Dear Johnson and Harris Family - We were saddened to hear about Tom's passing. It was quite a surprise. Tom was a great friend and colleague while I was at USU and Edith Bowen. We will always remember his laughter, his wisdom, and his kindness. While a teacher and Director at Edith Bowen, the Johnson kids were fantastic as well as was Tom and Carol's support of them in school. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jay, Jared, Jann, Thomas, and Tailona and all extended family. May God be with you till you meet again.

Sincerely,
Prent and Joy Klag
Cedar City, Utah

Red Cliffs Audubon Chapter

Thank you Tom and Katy for being a part of Red Cliffs Audubon. We had some great birding field trips with you two. You taught us a lot. It wasn't so much about birds, it was about seeing two people who loved being together. The respect, the hand squeezes, things you didn't think we would notice. Marilyn and Keith Davis

Tom and Katy have birded with us for several years now, and it was always wonderful to have his smiling face and energetic attitude along. He will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Katy and their family. Kevin Wheeler

I regret that Tom was unable to serve on the Red Cliffs Audubon Board. He had much to offer and I would like to have known him better.
Charles Odd

From the bottom of my heart I extend condolences to you and your loved ones. Tom will always be thought of fondly and if there is anything I can help you with when you return to St. George, please give me a call.
Denise Blyn

To Katy: I really enjoyed the birding outings I experienced with you two. Your joy was contagious. My prayers are with you at this time.
With deepest sympathy. Laurie Rasmussen

Brad Simons - Fellow Aggie Booster

To the Johnson family, I extend my deepest sympathy for the loss of Tom.

I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Tom through my involvement with the Aggie Gymnastics program. Tom and his family have always been a fixture at the meets. And when the rare occasion came that they were not there, they were missed. After the gymnastics booster club was formed, Tom and his family have always been involved with the club. And it was not just the home meets that they were there for us. Who could ever forget the cowbell being rung in Santa Barbara!! Looking up and seeing Tom and Carol, the biggest grin on two people’s faces and feeling the warmth and support.

Tom kept the tradition alive over the years. Having Tom and Katie join us on a gymnastics road trip was a treat. One could tell that Tom not only enjoyed being in attendance at a gymnastics meet, but that tom enjoyed being around people. And the people that surrounded Tom enjoyed him and have the utmost respect for him.

A man that has sooooooooooo (no, not a typo) much passion for his family, friends and whatever he is involved in. And he made it look so easy all the time.

Tom will be deeply missed. Thank you for the opportunity of getting to know you!!

To Katie and ALL of the children and spouses, my heart feels for you during this time.

Sincerely,

Brad Simons

Long Time Friend of Tom

To The Dear Family of Thomas Johnson:

This morning I was made aware of the untimely death of a good friend, Thomas “Tom” Johnson. At one point, during life’s brief expanse, we were close personal friends while completing our Masters degrees at Utah State University. We worked together, played together and in general had a great time. When it came time to part, he went on to complete his doctoral degree in Speech Pathology, while I completed mine in Audiology. While I have worked at numerous places around the country, Tom worked diligently to make Utah State University a great training program in Communicative Disorders. We always kept track of each other, where we were working, what we were doing, etc.

Many beautiful things have been said about Tom and his life and all that he accomplished. At this point, all that I would like to add is, that; I know that Tom had a firm testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I know that soothing consolation can come from the Lord, whose atonement makes the resurrection a reality regardless of how or where one passes through the gateway to immortality and eternal life.

Take some comfort from the words of the great philosopher Socrates, who said, “Be of good cheer about death and know this as a truth—that no evil can happen to a good man, either in life or after death.” Tom was a good man and had a good family and friends who loved and appreciated him in life and will always remember him fondly. One day we will be together again.

May God provide you with strength and courage to help you all as you personally work through this event. May we all be strengthened as friends and associates, is my prayer.

With Love,

Don and Mary Lou Worthington

Jaclyn Littledike-Colleague and friend

I first met Tom when we were both students at USU. At that time he impressed me with his intelligence, sense of humor, and potential to be an outstanding professional. I later joined the USU Dept. of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education as a faculty member, where I had the opportunity of working with Tom throughout his time there as a colleague and then as our Dept. head. No one could have served the dept. with more compassion for its students, innovation during hard times, or fairness with the faculty. He was a joy to work and an outstanding individual. My condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed.  Jaclyn Littledike

Kevin Wheeler, fellow birder

I knew Tom only a few years from a couple aspects of his life; he and Katy often went on outings with the Red Cliffs Audubon Society, of which I also participate; and I was a member of the Morningside 3rd Ward with them and served in the Sunday School with them.  Tom's smile and energetic attitude will be remembered and missed; he was always excited to see new birds and he would fill me in on trips that he and Katy took and what they saw.  His dedication and knowledge to the Gospel, ability to befriend others, and willingness to serve the Lord were also impressive.  My thoughts and prayers are with Katy and their family.

Suzanne Johnson Chapman- Neice

When I think of Uncle Tom, I picture him smiling with that wonderful twinkle in his eye and with a loving face which except for his beautiful black hair, looked just like my own dad's. I can hear him laughing heartily and teasing us with anti-BYU jokes. My favorite memory of Uncle Tom is him sitting in our living room on numerous Thanksgiving Days playing his guitar and singing "Watching Tommy Grow". He was such a wise patriarch of the Johnson family who we'll always admire and respect. I especially appreciated Uncle Tom so much for the inspired, comforting blessings he gave me after my own dad died. I know he did that for other siblings of mine as well. We all will always love our Uncle Tom! 

Steve Jensen, former USU student

It was my distinct pleasure to have been a student in the Department of
Communicative Disorders at Utah State University when Dr. Johnson was
department head. I attended USU in the late 80's and early 90's. As a
student, I was impressed by his constant, consistent direction, and
appreciated his leadership style. I'm sure there were many concerns and
struggles that Com-D went through that only staff members saw and most
students didn't. Regardless, I always had a solid sense of direction and
security knowing that I was in an education program under competent
leadership.

I enjoyed Dr. Johnson's humor and found his great Willie Nelson renditions
to be superb! What a nice addition his humor and musical ability added to an
often stressful environment! May I say, however, that his intellect was
unparalleled with his year-end lectures of inspiration. Even now, I still
refer to my collection of Dr. Johnson lectures. I continue to find them
insightful and thought-provoking.

Dr. Johnson was one of the people in my life that I recognize and appreciate
for his direction and influence. I am a better person because he was there.
My years at USU have long since gone, but Dr. Johnson's example has always
been in my memory as one who taught me to care for others, provide a
professional service, and continually strive to do better.

To the Johnson family I express my sympathy for your loss. Dr. Johnson will
be missed.

Sincerely,

Steve Jensen

Uncle Tom was the best son-in-law ever

I have thought that Tom could write a book on how to be the best Son
in Law. When he and Carol were dating he ate food (Cantaloupe and Ice
cream and home made root beer) that mom gave him that made him
physically ill rather that refusing mom's offer. Mom would call over and tell
them she had fried chicken on and Tom would get the family in the car
and travel the 30 miles like it was next door. Tom would always complement and build up mom. I often believed he was the favorite child which is tough when your an in-law.

Tom made a Montana men's fishing trip into a family tradition that
will be relived in memories for years to come. He brought singing,
great food, laughter and an awareness of the family tradition and memories
being formed. Tom filmed great memories of fish caught and losted,
outhouses, pipe bombs, trick horseback riding, D-K's, singing and great
fun.

We feel fortunate to have had Tom as a member of our family he will
be greatly missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you,

Love Dee, Kim Smith and family

Jay,Jared,Jan, tom & baby T

We were so sad to seen that Tom passed away. We lived with the family in St. George for a year while Tom was on a sabatical from Utah State University. We have stayed friends even though we moved to Pleasant View in 1990.

We see Jay occasionally and I have seen Jan at Gold's gym.

My wife was in the same hospital on Friday night. You never know when time is up.

We loved Carol and Tom and did not have the chance to meet Tom's second wife . We wish all the family well and hope to see you some day.

Stan & Judie Smith

Thomas Sterling (Tommy) Johnson - Tom's Son

Men that have served as Bishop twice, bishops counselors 3 times, ward clerk, financial clerk, gospel doctrine teacher several times, and says the best job in the church was primary pianist; typically they call this type of man a prophet or an apostle, but he was our great example of a father & husband. Dad was one of a kind. There are great men in the world and in the church I think dad is one of those.

Growing up dad was a great example for each of us (kids). He taught us of God’s plan for us and always seemed to focus on the eternal nature of the family. He always treated our mother so tenderly, and they loved one another so much. Dad was never ashamed to kiss her in front of us, though it always made us kids sick and sometimes embarrassed mom too!

He had a great sense of humor and always shared his passion for playing the guitar (self-taught by-the-way). Dad had a clever song that he had written/rewritten for each of us kids: Mine was affectionately called “Watching Tommy Grow.”

Music was his second love in life. He performed in many ward choirs, stake/ward roadshows/talent shows, with other Christian gospel choirs, ward BBQ’s, in classes that he taught, for his USU department, for his grandkids, at campfires, funerals, baptisms, family reunions, in his car with the speakers blasting, and on many other occasions. He once told me that: “music opens my soul so that the spirit of god can talk to me.” Later when mom died, it was music that kept him going and allowed him to cope with her absence.

Dad was a great supporter of USU athletics. I remember for years and years he had bought season tickets to USU basketball. He would take turns taking us kids. I remembered how fun it was to have one on one time with him, and I can always remember he’d spoil us by taking us up at half-time to get some candy or popcorn. When the gymnastics program began at USU he would buy family passes to gymnastics every year, and our family would attend every meet. He became dear friends with the coaches and the team and later in life established a gymnastics scholarship in Thomas & Carol’s name.

Dad valued student academics greatly. I have worked with speech pathologists around the state, and when they hear my name, they always ask, if I’m related to their former department head. I have heard countless stories and tributes from his former students!

Dad & Mom worked hard all of their lives and loved to see their grandchildren and enjoyed spoiling them as all grandparents love to do. They enjoyed going to grandparents day at school or to soccer/basketball/football games as well. They loved to travel and always seem to bring back little gifts/trinkets/postcards, little things that really made the kids excited.

A few years after Mom passed away Dad found love again with Kathryn (Katie) Harris. Katie was a wonderful blessing in Dad’s life. They enjoyed traveling together all over the country and spending time with all of her and his children and grandchildren. On several occasions her sons have told me how much they love my Dad and think that he is an awesome guy. That is a great tribute that I have heard about Dad all of my life. After marrying Katie, their families increased from 5 and 6 kids to 11 kids and currently there are 19 grandchildren between the two families. We saw dad a little less frequently during that period, however it made us look forward even more when he would visit.

Dad has lived a great life, and truly touched everyone that he has come into contact with. We will miss him greatly, but we know that there is a grand Johnson reunion going on right now in the spirit world. He has returned to the arms of the Love of His Life, my wonderful and caring mother Carol Lue and that gives me sweet comfort and peace in my heart.

Thomas Sterling Johnson (Tommy)

Morningside 3rd Ward

Tom’s passing doesn’t seem possible.  We only knew him for a brief period after he and Katie moved here to St George.  During that short time we knew him as a gospel doctrine teacher, high priest group instructor, priesthood pianist, home teaching supervisor and an entertainer at our ward picnic.  In our eyes he excelled in all these roles.  He was truly a person one could enjoy being around.  His legacy is well established and will be remembered by all those he helped in his profession at USU, his role as a bishop and most importantly his roles as a husband, as a father and as a friend and as a  shining example for good to so many. Katie, may our Heavenly Fathers blessing be with you and the many members of Tom’s and your family.

 

Paul & Linda Sidlow

Morningside 3^rd Ward   

Jon Christopher - Good friend and 2nd Cousin

As I contact various alumni in my travels as the long-term-care insurance consultant for the USU alumni association I meet all types of folks, most of them are nice enough (because they're AGGIES!) but there are a few who really stand out. A few whose spirits just shine a bit brighter than the rest. This was most definitely Tom, and I'm not just saying that because he's remotely related to me. Tom and my mom (Georgia White Christopher) are cousins - and Tom has always been a great friend to me.

One of my fondest of life's memories is the time I was at Tom's home in Logan after Carol had died but before he had married Katie.  It was also not to long after my dad (Douglas Christopher) had died.  We spent a great deal of time together that day talking about the "old days" when Tom, Carol, Doug & Georgia used to "hang out". Tom showed me a bunch of old pictures of the four of them and we had a great time reminiscing. Then Tom got out his Martin guitar and allowed me to play it while we sang a few Kingston Trio songs. I didn't even know that I knew any Kingston Trio songs, but they just came out - I guess hearing my dad (Doug Christopher) play those songs so often when I was a kid just burned them into my brain. I got out my CD of Tom and his group playing and reminisced a bit more this morning.

He will most definitely be missed by all those who knew him, but if you knew him very well then you know that he's in a better place now, that he and Carol are reunited, and that he's probably with my dad right now strumming and singing Tom Dooley or MTA, Greenback Dollar or A Worried Man. At least I'd like to think there's time for guitar playin' in Heaven.

Time In The Trenches

To Tom and Family.

Tom Johnson and I started our 37 years together in the summer of 1969. As we jointly battled with the numerous university alligators as instructors and administrators there was one place where honesty and optimism reigned – it was through the always open door to Tom’s office. Many times I took the trip from my office to Old Main via Tom’s office. After “Time with Tom” and my sense of humor restored, my communications with Old Main, if not successful, were at least obscenity free. The challenges of serving as a supervisor and instructor for Tom’s sons Jared and Tommy were a small price to pay for the friendship and support of Thomas Stoddard Johnson. One of my fondest and most recent memories is of Tom and Guitar delivering Kingston Trio songs on my back lawn with the creek bubbling by in the background – Tom may the songs and the creek keep bubbling.

Alan Hofmeister

Oral Ballam, for 20 years a friend, co-worker and his Dean

Dear King Tom Family, all of you,
I know of no person I love more as a dear friend, long-time profession
partner, loyal Aggie, most caring and loving father and husband, good
citizen, true to the faith he nourished, and his dedication to all that
is "...true, good and beautiful..." We shared a bond of professional
and personal kinship that was as of there was one spirit occupying our
two bodies, one of course larger than the other. He could be
characterized as a kind hearted tough minded idealist, energetically
pursuing excellence in ALL his endeavors. He stood for what was right,
stood for principle as opposed to expediency. He dreamed miracles and
achieved them through his diligence, patience, common sense and focus on
his and shared dreams of others. I have never worked with a more
compassionate loyal capable person than Tom.

On learning of his death I reviewed some of our past correspondences.
After expressing to him again my love, respect and admiration, and
nostalgic tid-bits, I concluded with the following, "...(admiration)
that I have for what you have a accomplished with a group of very
capable, dedicated, loyal cohorts, all part of a superb unit nationally
recognized excellence, due to your leadership. judge of talent,
character, and confidence in and support of them. I admire you for your
professional dreams and tenacity in achieving them. And I only remember
calling time out once when you became fiery. I call it feisty
enthusiasm because you were absolutely right in that situation. I
admire you for it."

Tom and I shared many roller coaster rides of enthusiasm and despair.
On one of my time of despair he dropped by the office with his usual air
of joking enthusiasm and said something like, "Dean, remember, this too
will pass you by." Then he gave me a copy of a tape of that jolly
little tune, BE HAPPY. I played it many times and it always cheered me
up and made me think of Tom. I'm sure Tom, at this time, is saying, "Be
happy, This period of sadness will pass you by. Remember the
happiness we shared, and be true to the faith I nourished with
you." I'm positive The King would hope this would be the case with you.

And so, I extend my sympathy and love to all of you, and say to Tom ,
"Thanks for the memories. They are all based on the true, the good and
the beautiful. I cherish and appreciate them, thank you for them,
sincerely. Your friend eternally, Oral Ballam.:

And in all our years together . who developed

Tailona - Baby Girl

I just wanted to write a BIG THANK YOU for all of these stories and memories. This ends up being what life is all about and the things that get us through. Its the memories that keep a person going. It will be great to spend Sunday and Monday honoring Dad and seeing all the people that dad impacted in some way. All I can picture in my mind is that big teddy bear with a big smile!

Our love to Tom and Katie's family

We have been in a family home evening group in St. George with Tom and Katie for the time they have lived in the Morningside 3rd Ward. What a knowledge of the scriptures and the Gospel Tom and Katie both have! We were in constant awe as they presented a lesson of the depth of their understanding and ability to teach the principles of the Gospel. We will sorely miss Tom! We send our love and hugs to Katie and all of the family. What a blessing it has been for us to get to know this spiritual giant. We love you!

Bonnie and Lee Caldwell

Mary Stubbs--DSC IT Support Services

As Jared’s co-workers at Dixie State College, we would like to extend our sympathy to your family. We did not know your father but from the characteristics that I have been reading about Dr. Johnson, Jared has shown the same caring attitude for his job and everyone he associates with. The ultimate legacy of a father shows in the way his children conduct their lives.

We hope your family is comforted in your time of mourning. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jay Jensen, friend and colleague

Since I am older than Tom, I had actually planned to have him speak at a memorial service at my own death. His ability to speak and to insert appropriate humor along with clear ideas were a hallmark of Tom's skills, and had he been able to speak for me, I would have been honored and entertained in my spirit.

Now it is with great sadness that I write these few lines to extol Tom's virtues and his consummate skill as a leader of the ComD department.

Tom took over the Department after I had served as Head for nine years. He was the only one that I even considered as the person to take over the Department. He guided the Department through the rough period of declining federal dollars and through the difficult time of building the physical facility. This was accomplished with his usual good humor and his insightful ability to plead, cajole, and enlist the support of those who would be able to assist the Department in the directions that Tom had planned. As faculty members we loved him for his abilities and fairness in treating all of us as equals. He enabled people to grow to their highest level and was supportive of all our endeavors.

Tom and I had a proclivity for meeting people with foreign accents. Invariably, when we traveled to conventions or to presentations of one kind or another, we would meet someone whose speech was heavily laced with accent. We couldn't even make eye contact with each other or laughter would overcome us. Not laughing at the individual, but rather laughing at the fact that it always happened to us. Time spent with Tom was always filled with his grace and good humor.

I'll miss Tom. I loved him; he was a friend, a professional colleague, and a spiritual brother to me. I'm certain that his presence will be felt at the site of the amphitheater on Old Main Hill and throughout the special spots on campus where Tom loved to be.

Jay Jensen

Jim Blair - Utah State University

Tom has been a great friend and associate of mine for many years. When I joined the faculty in 1979 Tom had been Department Head for one year. One of the traditions he established was to have faculty retreats at the Zanavoo Restaurant. He would invite us all to come using some form of a theme. One of the first themes he used was Camelot. He invited us all to come to the retreat and signed his name as king. From that time forward he was always referred to as the King. These retreats would last for two-days and we would have a chance to get to know one another and to formulate goals for the department for the coming year. Tom always used stories, jokes, and themes to tie his ideas together and make our times memorable. In large measure he was the glue that made the department stick together when times were tough. One year we came to the retreat with the music "Don't Worry, Be Happy" that was a year when the legislature had cut our funding and all of felt frightened and worried, we made it through thanks to his leadership and willingness to work with the Dean and other departments.

Tom found a way to be on the building committee and finally became the chair of this committee. The money for the renovation of the Com D department was always at the bottom of everyone's list of priorities, but when he became chair of the committee he, after a couple of years, was able to move the renovation of the building up the priority list until it became one of the two top priorities of the university. Once we got a million dollars from the legislature for the building, it was soon discovered that this was not enough. He then worked with the Lillywhite family, with Jay Jensen, to secure additional funding from this family. Thanks in large measure to Tom, and his leadership skill, we were able to get a building that is serving us better than many of us would ever have imagined.

One year Tom and I were accepted to present to a regional meeting in Hawaii. We decided to extend the time there and took our wives with us. Tom had purchased and new two-piece video camera (the latest thing in technology). We had to wheel the recorder around on a cart it was so big. We rented a car and drove to the other side of the Island. As he drove along, he leaned out the window of the car and took pictures. Carol and my wife frequently had to tell Tom to keep his eye on the road. But there were so many beautiful sights to see and he wanted to take pictures of them all, so he just couldn't resist taking pictures off to one side or the other. The car tended to weave back and forth as he took pictures.

My memories of Tom are of a person who cared. He cared about his family, his membership in the church, his profession, and the department. Because he cared, I think it helped all of us care more for each other and for the students and clients we served. I never left him without feeling better, uplifted and more optimistic. I will miss him but I will carry with my many memories for the remainder of my life.

Sue McCormick, Edith Bowen Laboratory School Secretary

Dear Tailona,

I was very saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. I’ll always remember his smile and the gentle nature that emanated so genuinely each time he would visit the school.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Take care,
Sue McCormick

Destiny Smith-Niece

When I think of Uncle Tom I can not help but smile.  He was always so much fun to be around and always had the best advice, even when you didn't know you needed it.  When the world was crashing down around me and I felt that I had no where to go, Uncle Tom took me in and helped put me back together. He helped me restore my testimony through his unwavering example and unconditional love. He means more to me than I can put to words. I wish I could be up there with you. My prayers go out to you guys. 

---

Greg Johnson - Nephew (Tom's Brother's Oldest Son)

One of my fondest memories of Uncle Tom (of the many) illustrates his jovial nature and delightful character:

I was in 9th grade and had just returned home from what I thought was a particularly grueling football practice. Tom had dropped by the house and was speaking with Mom, and as always, was interested in me and what I was doing. To set the tone here, you have to understand this was during one of those periods when Tom had decided to get himself in shape and was actually running 2-5 or more miles several times per week. As always, he inquired about me and football, to which I replied something like, "Our practices are so hard, we have to run 100 yard sprints!" Tom got this mischievous twinkle in his eye, and with an exaggerated tone said, "One hundred yards! That's a long way!" Then he and Mom just busted up and of course my tough guy football bubble was burst, but it was so funny I started busting a gut as well.

I have never forgotten that moment in time and as I write this I can't help but smile. I'm sure Mom will remember that moment as well. Such stories are illustrative of the warmth which we feel, my siblings and I, when we think of Uncle Tom. I don't believe there was ever anything to dethrone him from his pedestal in our eyes - he was always the fun-loving uncle, yet his accomplishments spiritually, academically, and in the home seemed outstanding and exemplary. I know that my Uncle Tom had a testimony of the Living Christ, of his Gospel and mission, and of truth restored. I know he loved, honored and cherished his dear Carol (and later Katie) and his children. I have no doubt that he and Dad (Jack) are visiting the poor in spirit in prison who, as it says in D & C 76:73 "And also they who are the ^aspirits of men kept in ^bprison, whom the Son visited, and ^cpreached the ^dgospel unto them, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh;"...and they are healing them so they may be resurrected to the requisite glory.

Uncle Tom was beloved by all of us in the Jack Johnson family. Mom will certainly speak to this but she has said many times in the decade since Dad's passing that Tom was often a comfort, and was there for her to advise, comfort, and bolster her spirits. We are all grateful for Uncle Tom and I speak for all of us when I say we look forward to a glorious reunion with him in a holy place.

 

Greg Johnson
Mobile:  801-367-6955

Beth Foley - Utah State University

I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing and I hold all of you in my thoughts and prayers. When I came to USU in 1993, I planned to stay for one year and then go back to Boston. Tom had other plans for me. I never expected to make a home for myself here in Logan, or to find a new "family", but I did, largely due to Tom's unwavering support and encouragement. At a time when I was going through a personal crisis and questioning myself and my place in the world, Tom believed in me and helped me find the strength to live up to his expectations, probably without even knowing how much of a positive influence he had on me. I never met a kinder, gentler, more patient person - Tom always saw the best in people and had a way of nudging them toward their full potential. Tom loved this department and he demonstrated that day after day, year after year. He will never be forgotten by those who had the privilege of working with him. He is a huge part of this place even now, and I can almost feel him here today, surveying his "kingdom" and seeing what wonderful things he put in motion. What a legacy. I'm not picturing him in that spandex king outfit today, but on October 31st, who knows...I will always remember his great sense of humor, his warmth, and his goodness. Beth Foley

Dee Child - Utah State University

Tom has been my MAIN inspiration and motivation professionally for years and years. He was very interested in voice disorders as you know and as one of his graduate students I became interested in voice as well. He was my thesis chair and helped me in that whole process. I think he was the main one who helped me secure a position at USU a few years after I had graduated. He gave me many opportunities to cultivate and harvest ideas or projects that he had planted such as our annual summer workshops and our outreach masters program. I've been running those programs now for over 20 years thanks to Tom. He wrote a book on vocal abuse and asked me to work with him in developing a computer program to "modernize" his book in the new frontier of home computers. That was many years ago. He invited me to go to Orlando Florida to present to a group of professionals on his behalf. He appointed me as assistant department head to keep me at USU when I was going to leave. I'm still in that position after probably 15 or so years and two other department heads. I could go on and on and on. Many years ago when I was made Bishop he was my wise mentor. I've always liked his wit and sense of humor. He and Jay Jensen were always very entertaining!!! Tom and I used to select the graduate students that were admitted to our outreach program because most of the other faculty had left for the summers. Tom was always very professional and very supportive of all sorts of students. He believed in giving students a chance who may not have always had the highest grades.

Tom's year end departmental graduation speeches (for the students) and musical performances were memorable and are still talked about by those of us who are still in the department who agonized through those LONG speeches. He often printed and disseminated the speeches, which were usually 10 - 15 pages long. Our year-end parties were usually outside and one year the weather was COLD and snowy. We were all hoping he'd cut his speech short since we were outside at a bowery at the fairgrounds. But, NO, he gave the entire speech!!! It's great to recall and laugh about it now! His headband and Willie Nelson songs were always one of the highlights of the graduation parties. He'd finish the speech and then put on the headband and pull out the guitar and give us a concert! It was GREAT!!! Of course Tom wore his very impressive KING costume at least once a year - on Halloween as I recall. The bright and tight red and black costume, complete with crown, on such a shapely body has burned an impression in my brain that will never leave!!! I could go on and on and on (ASHA conventions, flexible vocal stroboscope demonstration, kicking the black rock down the road, fall faculty retreats with state of the union, state of the state, state of the department speeches at Zanavoo and at his brother's (I think) cabin up Logan Canyon, the demolition of the Mechanical Arts Building, etc. etc. etc. Here's just one more in closing. Tom was always looking for ways for the department to get more money. With Jay Jensen's help he was very instrumental in finding a wonderful donor for the renovation of our COMD Building. Tom and I worked very hard (mostly Tom with my token support) in getting plans made and details worked out for the interior demolition and remodeling of the inside of our building. This was a HUGE project for Tom. There were many details and headaches involved not only in the renovation but also the temporary relocation of our entire department for a year while the renovation was taking place. Tom pushed through the whole process and saw it through to completion and dedication. He then retired from COMD shortly thereafter. Without a doubt he's always struck me as a person not interested in the glory, just interested in the process and outcome. I respect him greatly as a professional colleague and friend. I talked to him just a few months ago on the phone about helping me collect some data on availability of adult therapy settings in Southern Utah and he was still interested in keeping his finger in the profession pool. He's great. Sorry this is so long! I just got on a roll and couldn't stop. Best Wishes in this frustrating and difficult experience. I'll keep checking your logs on the blog.