Thomas R. Johnson

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.
Readers may wish to visit the Gazette Guest book at http://www.legacy.com/billingsgazette.asp.

This obituary was originally published in the Billings Gazette.