Wendell Norman Johnson

Rear Admiral, USN (Ret.). Former Vice President and Dean of Students, Boston University. An Uncommon Man. Given six months to live 24 years ago, Wendell Norman Johnson overcame that diagnosis with the same determination and unshakable faith in the universe that marked his life. The son of Oscar and Ida Johnson, born and bred in Roxbury, Massachusetts, Norman graduated from Boston Latin School and completed his B.S. at The New England College of Pharmacy before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1956. Commissioned an Ensign in 1957, Norman was designated a Rear Admiral in June of 1983. After retiring from the Navy, Rear Admiral Johnson served as Vice President and Dean of Students at Boston University from 1989 to 2003. Of noble intent from the start, Norman was someone who walked the straight and narrow, strongly believing that one need not step over others to succeed in life. Pragmatic, but idealistic, he understood that true leaders are role models for those they lead. Joyful in the tasks he undertook, his infectious laughter lightened the gravity of his journey here on earth. A graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College, the National War College and the Naval Postgraduate School, some of Norman's notable sea assignments were Commander, Destroyer Squadron Thirty-Five and Commanding Officer of both the USS Dahlgren (DDG-43) and the USS Jason (AR-8). His shore assignments included Commander, Naval Base, Charleston, SC, Office of the Chief of Operations as Director of Undersea and Strategic Warfare as well as Director, Logistics Plans Division, and Minority Affairs Head Equal Opportunity in the Bureau of Naval Personnel. He also earned an MS in International Communications from American University. In addition to the Legion of Merit with gold star, his medals included the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star and the Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze stars representing his participation in five combat campaigns in the Republic of Vietnam. His civilian awards: the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award, the Benjamin Franklin Award for Educational Service, and the Distinguished Alumni Award, Northeastern University among many. Accolades and medals studded Norman's life. But where he set himself apart was in his work to make the Navy more accurately reflect the racial makeup of this country. Genetically scripted to always help the underdog, Norman did not believe in "lowering standards" to do so. He headed the Navy's initial Minority Officer Recruiting Effort in the late 60's and ensured that the focus was on attracting all minorities to the Navy. He would not and did not take shortcuts just to increase numbers. His interest was in strengthening the officer corps by adding the variety of personnel that would allow it to function more fully. His transition to civilian life allowed him to continue to positively influence those around him in his work as Dean of Students at Boston University. Norman presided over the former BU Residential Charter School (BURCS) that provided group home living and residential education experience leading to high school diplomas for young people in the state foster care system. His creation of a successful University Resource Center at BU offered tutoring and workshops in writing and study skills to assist students in raising their grade point averages resulting in the increased retention of financial and academic scholarships and reduced student attrition. Much of his life work in the Navy and at Boston University was directed towards providing accessibility to opportunities for all people so that they might realize their potential, regardless of their starting position in life. His living legacy will be the many people, who might have been temporarily derailed in life, whom he willingly helped. And his hope was that each of them would, in turn, help the next person who might need a boost to get back on track. Somewhere Norman had read that wolves mate for life. Thereafter, he declared himself a wolf with respect to his mate. This uncommon man of such an even temperament is survived by his beloved mate of 48 years, Helen Underwood Johnson, his daughters, Laura Hairston (Brian) of Scottsdale, AZ, Lois Johnson (Miguel) of Alexandria, VA and his son, Norman Jr. (Stefanie) of San Jose, CA and five grandchildren. All who knew this uncommon man are slightly diminished by his passing, for just a minute, and then refueled by the thoughts of his good works on this earth. May his soul soar, free of mortal concerns. May he rest in eternal peace. Norman was and will remain loved, respected, and remembered by many. Interment with full honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery on May 11, 2007 at 11:00 am. A Memorial Service and Reception will be at Boston University on May 14 at 11:00 am at Marsh Chapel at Boston University, 735 Commonwealth Avenue. A reception will follow in the George Sherman Union, 775 Commonwealth Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in W.N. Johnson's name to Crispus Attucks Children's Center, 105 Crawford Street, Dorchester, MA 02121, Attention: Leslie Christian.