In Memory of…

Gary Johnson

Gary Johnson

From friend and classmate, Bruce Brown:

"As I scrolled through the names and photos of my classmates on the "Memory Page" I noticed that Gary Johnson's name was not there. I had to stop and make sure it got added. Gary passed back in 2000 after a battle with cancer. He was the true star of the Millikan '68 Track team running the 100, 220, 440 and both relays. He was not only a great athlete but a wonderful friend, father and husband. It was one of the great honors of my life to be asked to speak at his funeral."

 

If you have any further details or memories for Gary,
please post a comment, below.



 
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09/01/18 10:57 AM #1    

Jack Walter Rice

I wanted to add a few thoughts on Gary Johnson.  Gary was a great friend in High School and I got to know him when we both ran track together.  After high school a few of us were looking into the reserves to see if we could serve while continuing school.  As things worked out, Gary joined the Navy for a four year stint and I later joined the Air Force for four years of duty.  We stayed in touch through cards and letters.  Once out of the military we lost track of each other and both had families and had our hands full. In 1999 our mutual friend Bruce Brown(who I was working with at the time) said that he had seen Gary and he was looking for work. I met with Gary and was in the unique position to hire him.  He had undergone some issues with alchohol but he assured me he was passed it.  Long story short, he was one of the best hires I ever made. He was a diligent worker and everyone loved him and I got to spend alot of time around my old buddy. After about a year with us Gary came in complaining of swelling in his armpit and was having it checked out. Unfortunately he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, malignant melanoma.  He underwent extensive chemo and radiation and eventually secumbed to the cancer.  He battled like a true hero against incredible odds and never complained or got emotional. Like Bruce, it was one of my greatest honors to speak at his funeral.  The irony of it all was that his life was coming together again and he was having great success.  His daughter was in college and becoming a beautiful young lady and he was absolutely killing it at work. Life was good!  It all made me realize how precious and fragile life can be.  Rest in peace my friend!  


09/04/18 05:56 PM #2    

William H "Bill" Lee

I did not know Gary at school, however I have learned much about agent orange in the last 14 years. Gary's cancer was probably from exposure to that substance, and troubles with alcohol are common among those who served in Vietnam. God Bless Gary, for you ar enow with your brothers and the demons can no longer bother you.


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