Thomas A. Johnson

Tom lived near us and our daughters were friends so we got to see him quite a bit during their high school years. Although I did not know him well he was a darn nice guy, full of wit and with a wry humor. It was obvious from the outset that he was a devoted father. I am that his children and family have lost such a wonderful human being.

Tom was such a kind, resourceful, and helpful man. I met him only recent after renting from him in a duplex unit. He was my upstairs neighbor. I had never lived in a duplex before and a bit nervous about it, but those concerns were quickly washed away when I met Tom. I could tell immediately that Tom was a friendly and welcoming person.

We would cross paths a lot throughout the day and stop to chat with each other. He'd give me a lot of advice on constructing things and help out with our place downstairs a lot. He was truly handy, insightful, and knew how to find a solution for any problem, and I always felt grateful when he'd take time out of his day to help us with a faucet or flickering light in our unit. When I told him I worked at a radio station, he went out of his way to listen in and comment on some of my work. He'd walk through the garage and cheer me on while I ran on the treadmill in there, and ask me, "How far are we going today?" and I'd respond totally out of breath how many miles I was planning to go. He told my roommate that he was happy to live with tenants that actually took time out of their day to stop and chat with him, he was very appreciative.

It wasn't long before I started to see a friend in Tom. My roommates and I would have dinner with him upstairs and brainstorm ideas for how we were going to make use of the greenhouse in the backyard next summer. Just the other month Tom invited us to light up paper lanterns (pictured below) with him and make a wish on them as they flew off into the night sky. It was such a great moment and in the short time that I knew him, I feel confident in saying that moment really reflects the sort of person he was. I was really looking forward to the plans we had to construct some garden beds together.

I've been thinking about Tom all week. I just met him about six months ago but he had such a big, positive impact on my life, and every time I get home from work and pass by his door on my way down to my unit I feel my chest swelling with sadness. I see his truck in the garage, and his collection of bird-themed clocks and it suddenly hits me again that I won't see him again. I really miss living with him and his dog Roger, who I am relieved to have heard was adopted by one of his close friends. I didn't realize he was having such a painful battle within himself. I'll forever be grateful for the limited time I had with him in my life, and view his resourcefulness, adventurousness, and kindness as an example of how I should live my own life.

My dad, Tom Ruff, took my sister and I on a trip to Alaska in 2015. I had met Tom several times throughout my childhood, but this was the first time I really got to know him and he showed us an amazing time around Fairbanks. It was always great seeing him at Schullers and Good Shephard mass in the years that followed as well. Rest in peace, Yohnnie.