Ron Johnson legacy: A blueprint on life

Monday’s Longboat Key Freedom Fest displayed its customary characteristics of producing one of the cutest, shortest, patriotic Independence Day parades around and a time of joy for all attending. 

It’s fun to see everyone there — people and pooches — dressed in their red, white and blue and feeling the spirit of the day. At no time during the year are there more children gathered together on Longboat Key than at Freedom Fest.

Ron Johnson would have loved it. 

No doubt, he looked down on Monday’s Freedom Fest with a special warmth and happiness, especially when the children attending released 300 butterflies into the air in his honor.

Ron Johnson was the only thing missing Monday. The former Longboat Key mayor and longtime civic and community leader died June 27 (See “A life in focus,” Longboat Observer, June 30). He was 84.

One of the many attributes we’ll remember about Johnson is how he loved all things Longboat. For nearly two decades on Longboat Key, no matter what the event, when or where it occurred, Johnson was there — always supporting everyone’s efforts … Freedom Fest; the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce mixers and member luncheons; the Kiwanis Club’s pancake breakfasts and gourmet luncheons; the Longboat Key Historical Society’s fish fries; Garden Club fashion shows. He was always there. 

He did not attend or participate in these events out of obligation as a town commissioner. No, Johnson had a sincere heart that was committed to supporting his community. And he had a huge heart for all of the organizations and their volunteers and what it took to make their events successful. He always made a point of seeking out event organizers and thanking them for their efforts. And he was genuine about it.

Indeed, that was another of his attributes: When he asked you how you were doing, it was not a superficial social gesture. He genuinely cared. Johnson looked you in the eye and listened. He made phone calls or sent notes, letting people know how much he appreciated what they contributed.

Ron Johnson was not a flashy, loud guy. To the contrary. He exemplified what we call that great American story of someone who grew up in a family of modest means and achieved success. He rose from a die-maker at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Akron, Ohio, to become president of manufactured-home companies. He did it by his own effort and grit.

And like so many who move to Longboat Key, after he retired from his business life, Johnson took on a new career — volunteerism and serving. But even that was not enough. Demonstrating that you are never too old, Johnson at age 74 rekindled a passion he had as a teen — photography. When he was 82, the Longboat Key Center for the Arts honored Johnson with one of its Ageless Creativity awards for his eye-catching photography.

Ron Johnson will be missed whenever there is a Longboat Key event. But he left a blueprint for us to follow: apply yourself as best you can; genuinely care about others; make your slice of the world a better place.