Rich W. Johnson, Jr. July 11, 1948 - July 21, 2009
My beloved boss and friend Rich passed away on Tuesday, July 21st. He was Vice President of the Medical Economics Division at Texas Medical Association for the last 12 years. I've worked for him over 5 years. He was the nicest man, a gentle giant, truly dedicated to his job and one of the best bosses I've ever had.
The news was devastating to all of us at TMA and especially to our division after we lost Mike last month. Rich was well respected across the country, I've talked to physicians, US Senators, others he has worked with, his friends and coworkers and they all say the same thing, besides being so shocked that he is gone, but what a great guy he was and the exceptional job that he did. A nice tribute for sure.
Rich loved Buddy Holly. So much so he visited the plane crash sight of Buddy Holly several times on the anniversary of Buddy Holly's death and went to the museum every chance he got. One Christmas I drew him a picture of Buddy Holly - he was thrilled.
He also commissioned me to draw a picture of his lab, Austin, and a pastel of his mother-in-law's dog, Nell. I have one other commission that I did for him but can't find it right now - it was a wedding picture of his mother and father.
His memorial is going to be on Sunday at TMA - a fitting place since he spent a lot of time there - we will be celebrating his life - telling stories, looking at pictures of his life and of course listening to Buddy Holly. He leaves behind his wonder wife, Julie, daughter Emily and son Charlie and all of us who cared for him very much.Philippians 4:5
Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
12 comments:
Karen, touching post. My sympathy to you and Mr. Johnson's family.
Karen, Two losses so close together, I am so sorry. My thoughts are with you.
Thanks Jos - I do appreciate it!
Hi Barb - yes this has been terribly hard. I'm still not over Mike's death and now Rich. It is a bit overwhelming. Thank you so much.
Karen, I'm sorry for your loss, lossing a friend is never easy.
Hugs,
Carolina
Karen, I wish you and his family peace and comfort at this time of great loss...you are in my prayers.
Dear Karen, it is nice to meet you and I appreciate your becoming a follower of my blog - I have become a follower of yours also - love your animal portraits - very sensitive. I do some of those too but haven't lately. Maybe inspired to do some more for an upcoming outdoor exhibit:-) Please accept my sincere condolence over the loss of your boss, whom you obviously felt very close to.
Karen Martin Sampson
Karen,
I'm so sorry for your loss and so soon after your friend Mike. This is a wonderful tribute to a dear friend. You are in my prayers. It's so difficult loosing a friend. Life is precious and ends before any of us are ready. We have to know there is a bigger plan. Take care and allow yourself the time to mourn.
Thank you Carolina - loss is never easy - it's been a tough month.
Thank you Dean - that means a lot to me.
Karen it's always great to here that I inspire others - thank you. Thanks for you nice words too - yes I was very close to my boss - It has been very strange without him there. Now to wait and see what happens with the division. . .
Hi Marsha - thank you so much - your words are very touching. Life is very precious and we sometimes take it for granted. I just thank God for His love and comfort in times like these.
Karen --
I am Teresa Johnson married to Rich's brother Steve -- you did a wonderful job on the memorial service and I know Julie, Emily and Charlie really did appreciate everything that you did. The picture of Austin and Nell hang with pride in the Johnson home. Rich gave both Steve and his sister Jody copies of the wedding picture you did of his parents and we all treasure and appreciate them more then you'll ever know. Thanks for being such a great friend and co-worker to our brother
Teresa - I'm so sorry for the loss you and Steve must be feeling - I know it is hard for all the family. It just is weird without him here.
The service for Rich was very nice - I think everyone involved did a wonderful job. We all loved Rich - he was a good guy - great boss to work for - TMA will have a hard time finding someone to fill his shoes.
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and commenting - it means a lot to me.
Take care.
Karen, I was sorry to read about this loss. You wrote a lovely tribute. Blessings.
I Helen - thanks so much. I do appreciate it.
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