Ron Johnson remembered for dedication to commmunity

Eileen Johnson’s brother really liked to tease her. Whether he was hiding under the bed and grabbing her feet or staring at her forehead while she yelled at him, he always having fun.

He was a prankster and a giver, one who knew his creativity was not limited to his role as big brother.

He was Ron Johnson.

On Sunday, family and friends gathered to honor Johnson, who died June 27 at the age of 84.

“He knew he had places to go and things to do, and he did not know where yet,” Eileen Johnson said. “He didn’t have an inkling why or what was going to happen next, but that energy was bursting forward within him.”

Johnson wore many hats throughout his life. He was a die maker at Goodyear, a businessman, family man, photographer, mayor, town commissioner, volunteer and friend. 

To residents of Longboat Key, he was best known for his roles in local government, an advocate for Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium and the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, and a key figure in the construction of the Ringling Bridge.

At the memorial, retired Army Lt. Gen. Howard G. Crowell presented Johnson’s wife, Jinny, with a resolution the Mote Board of Trustees signed on Sept. 1 in appreciation for Johnson’s dedication to the mission of advancing the science of the sea through Mote. 

Mote President and CEO Michael Crosby sent a recorded speech because he was unable to attend. Crosby noted Johnson was always ready to get involved and volunteer.

“When we think of Ron’s life, he lived a long and full life, a very, very full life,” Crosby said. “But his passing has left a void. A void for Jinny, his family, for all of us here in the community, but I think it’s important that we remember at his celebration of life all the joy he brought to us and touched our lives for the positive.”

Dan Idzik, past president of the Longboat Key for the Center of the Arts, said the best way to honor Johnson would be to follow in his footsteps. Susan Phillips, assistant to the town manager and president of the Longboat Key Garden Club, said the world would be a better place if people acted like Johnson.

“He had a habit of rising to the top of absolutely everything he joined, and there is evidence everywhere as we can see,” Eileen Johnson said. “It was just a natural thing for him to do.”

“It was just so heartwarming, and the tribute to Ron would have made him so happy,” Jinny Johnson said.