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University of Washington

Tod Johnson Obituary

JOHNSON Tod Johnson, 82, made his transition peacefully at home on November, 7, 2006. He was born in Seattle, Washington on May 1, 1924. He earned a MA degree in history at University of Washington and a PhD in social work from CPU, California. He moved to Florida in 1969. He retired as Director of the Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center at NAS, Jax in 1986. He was an educator, professional writer, professional model and dog lover. His most recent contribution to print was his autobiography, “Blueberry Fields Forever.” He was an active member of Friends of the Willowbranch Library and Jacksonville Citizens Planning Advisory Committees and of several local writing groups. Tod had a delightful sense of humor and would have appreciated the fact that within minutes of his passing, several fire and rescue units raced into the neighborhood, lights flashing and sirens blaring, due to an unrelated incident. A friend observed, “Tod is really going out with flair.” Sometimes when he was bored at an event, he would say, “Let's get out of here.” Those were his final intelligible words. Survivors include his brother Walter Johnson of Auburn, Washington, and Bob Alexander, life partner, Jacksonville. He also leaves a myriad of friends whose lives he enriched. He will be buried with military honors at a VA cemetery in Florida. A personal celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Tod's family ask that memorial donations be made to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Florida Times-Union on Nov. 14, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Tod Johnson

14 Entries

Galvan Haun

December 14, 2006

I want to thank Tod and say that even though I never met him I know the difference he has made in so many lives.
Even to this day, he is bringing people together in a loving way, and I thank him for this.

S. Fuss

December 1, 2006

So many of us have been touched by Tod's warmth, compassion, intellect, and his great sense of humor. He was truly a wonderful person He will be greatly missed.

Tony Brouner

December 1, 2006

I counted Tod among my friends, even though we had never met face to face. He contributed monthly pieces on "senior living" to a newspaper I edited. We chatted by phone regularly and came to know each other that way.
My heart goes out to all of you who knew Tod. He was was a role model for me in facing my own health challenges. I look forward to our spirits meeting again in the next realm of our existence.

Andy's Sandwich Shoppe

November 29, 2006

From all of us, we will miss you.

Mike Green

November 28, 2006

I met Tod and Bob in the mid 70s, and have sincerely enjoyed their friendship these many years. They feel like family. Life surely won't be the same without Tod, but we have many fond memories to cherish the rest of our days.

Christopher Alexander

November 25, 2006

Tod contributed greatly to his and Bob's sharing many happy years together. They have always served as a role model for us, and hopefully for others. In a family and world filled with divorce, Tod and Bob were the couple who were together the longest. Though Tod's death came just shy of their 50th anniversary, they still qualify for having met and surpassed that mark. Wouldn't it be a joy to leave life, knowing you touched as many lives in a positive way as Tod did. May we all strive for the same.

Maggie Johnson

November 25, 2006

For Tod Johnson:
"I'VE SEEN THE MARVELS OF THIS PLANET; THE POWER OF FLIGHT.
NATURAL WONDERS. AND PERFECTION SHINING FROM YOUR EYES.
COULD I RELIVE AN INSTANT IN MY TIME, IT WOULD BE A MOMENT SPENT WITH YOU. AGAIN I WOULD EXPLORE YOUR BRILLIANT MIND AND REFLECT IN THE HUNGER I SEE THERE.
TOGETHER WE WOULD GLIDE THROUGH TIME, AND SHARE INFINITY IN ONLY HOURS. THEN, SOUNDLESS, I'D WITHDRAW AND PONDER:
Will there be less sorrow now???"

Andra Ruff

November 25, 2006

This is a special thanks to Tod for sharing his wisdom and the wonderful experiences of his life with me. You are loved.

jeff Driggers

November 25, 2006

Bill and I knew Tod and Bob for many years. I had the opportunity to work with Tod on a library friends board for an extended period. His devotion to the work of libraries was outstanding. One knew that a gentleman as cultured and literate as Tod had spent many hours in libraries from an early age. His book reviews which often appeared in our local newspaper were always on target, cogent and informative. His passing is a loss to our city.

Janice Graham

November 19, 2006

I was always so happy when Tod shared his writings with me and it's wonderful to know that his humor and thoughts will live on through them.
Tod's spirit is so strong that he'll continue to touch those who loved him through happy memories.
In your quiet moments and when you need him, you will feel him with you in the touch of a breeze.
Love always, Janice and family

Anna Grass

November 15, 2006

Tod was a wonderful man with a genuine interest and respect for people. He lived his life with grace and dignity.
Anna Grass

Bruce Weller

November 15, 2006

Even though years have passed since Tod and I last saw one another, I remember him with great fondness during our days as caseworkers with the King County Welfare Dept. Tod will be greatly missed by all of us who had the great priviledge of knowing him-but he will never be forgotten.

Pat & Maralyn Petrusse

November 14, 2006

Glad we knew you. You will be missed.

"Vonnie" VanDerLinden

November 14, 2006

As a writer, Tod shared so many of his articles of wit and humor with me. I will always treasure my autographed copies. I was blessed to have had Tod as an encouraging friend. Now that he's "gotten out of here," so went the cancer. You have "Blueberry Fields Forever" my friend.

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