Eulogy of Richard
John Johnson
September 4, 2004
Trinity Lutheran Church
Written and Given By His Son, Richard James Johnson
On Tuesday of this week, the day had come that I knew was inevitable, but had always dreaded its arrival. My father had died, surrounded by his children and family after a short, valiant struggle against a multitude of challenges. He was 75 years young.
His time on earth was filled with triumphs over hurdles life occasionally threw at him. I think a person is measured not by how they handle the good and easy times, but how one reacts to adversity and hardship – and in this area Dad was a giant.
As a boy, he and his twin brother Russ, spent a large part of their childhood at a boys home named Allendale – because his parents were unable to care for him. And even though he had not experienced the example of a traditional homelife, when it was his time to parent, he and my mother built the most close and loving family, I am aware of.
He lost his twin brother, his best friend, to cancer when he was just 42. Yet he formed the closest friendship with Jim Polk, the man who married his widowed sister–in-law. Dad and the General, as Pop had named Jim, had lunch every week for over 20 years at their beloved Dobo’s. And Jim was with us as Dad died.
The loss of his marriage was another challenge which Dad met. He responded by enrolling at Harper College and at age 62 obtained a college degree. He developed and pursed a passion in the history of the American Civil War, over the years visiting all the major battle sites.
He joined the chorus at Harper College so he could sing and enjoy music that he loved so much. All the while leaning even more so on the support and love of his children.
He bore no grudges or ill will to any of the people or events that had tested him over the years. He always looked at the best in people – never the worst. And that is one of the lessons we should all take from the example this humble man has set for us.
Pop had a true Christian faith that has delivered him to God in Heaven where he is this very moment. It is comforting to me that he has gone on to his reward, reunited with his Lord and Savior, as well as with his Brother and family that have gone before him. I think Pop in heaven has already sought out General Thomas Jackson of the Confederate Army to tell him he nicknamed his grandson Stonewall after him.
On Wednesday of this week, my sister Nancy and I went to his condo, to pick out the clothes for his wake. I hadn’t been to his pad for over a couple years, probably because he was always at my house. It was like walking back into time. There must be 500 pictures on every desktop, countertop and tabletop – any displayable surface in that entire apartment. They are pictures of his family, both direct and extended, of people from before he was born, to the birth of the latest baby. His family was the focus of his life.
To his surviving Brothers Bob, Ron, Roy and Sister Peggy
He got excited in anticipation of seeing you and loved you all dearly. Bob and Ron, I am so glad we had dinner with Dad at our house just a couple months ago. He had such a great time. We had a last game of doubles Ping Pong and I am proud to reveal to everyone here that Dad and I won.
Roy, he was so proud of the Christian life you have led, the fine family you and Mary Lou have , and the example you have shown to all of us.
Peggy, he was so looking forward to buying the race horse with you and our racing partnership. Ironically, the jockey silks of our Red Rabbit Racing stable arrived at our house the day he died. We now have everything – except the horse.
To his Grandkids
Tyler, Ryan and Jaclyn,
Grandpa loved and enjoyed so much being with you, whether it was going to your plays or watching you play soccer or football. His hopes were high for you and I know you won’t let him down.Allison and Jeff, Grandpa loved you as well. He always looked on the both of you as a wonderful gift and proof of God’s love. He particularly loved Jeff’s zest for life and Allison’s creativity that she shows in her drawings. You are both so special.
Scott, John and Lou, Grandpa enjoyed and loved you so much. He was so proud that the younger 2, Scott and John, pursued learning music as he did. He would hope so much that you continue with that through your adulthood. Music was one of the things he loved as well. Lou you experienced his first efforts at Grand fatherhood. Seeing you here with your lovely wife Kristin shows he must have done his part OK.
Bryan, Ben, Brad and his blessed Stonewall, You guys are his oldest grandkids and he probably knew you the best. I know that you are feeling very sad and upset now. But I want you to remember the examples he set about competing, fairness, love and especially Christian faith. Don’t forget he will be watching you from above and instead of cheering at your football games from the sidelines, he will be raising his cheers of ‘Woomba’ from in heaven - with family you have never even heard of, but will all meet later.
Stonewall, I know it hurts this morning not having Grandpa pick you up for Breakfast and take your walk that you have done every Saturday morning for the last 8 years. You were so dear to him. I want you to remember that even though you hurt so much now, that hurt will soften and you will be left with the most loving memories a grandchild can have.
To my sisters Laurie, Jean and Nancy,
Our father has died. It would be difficult to say a sadder sentence.
In many ways you were always his joy, but along with your husbands Steve, Mike and Randy, and especially your children, you became his whole life. And he loved you so much.
I am comforted that all of us were with him when he passed. I am proud of how we all supported each other as best we could in what was such a profoundly sad situation. It is one of Pop’s endearing legacies that he and our mother built a family that is so loving and caring of each other.
In his honor, our love and devotion to our family is what we must continue. Such that, for the rest of our days, we provide the same example to our children and ensure that what Pop taught us is passed down to our future generations.
I have to say a word about my wife Kathy.
I‘ve always joked that given the way everyone loved you within this family, that actually my mom and dad had 4 children - but they were all daughters, Laurie, Jean, Nancy and yourself. Pop looked at you as his daughter. And like Steve, Mike and Randy, I guess I got into the family through marriage.
You know how much my father loved and appreciated you. My sisters and I are forever indebted to you for all you did for my father in taking care of him through the illnesses he had over the last couple years. For inviting him over every Saturday for dinner for almost 20 years. For calling him Dad – how he liked that.
Earlier, I referred to the death of dad’s twin brother Russ – who’s passing was one of the most difficult times in Pop’s life. At Uncle Russ’ funeral, our Pastor at the time, Carl Thrun wrote and delivered the most meaningful sermon I’ve ever heard. With his and my Aunt Joyce’s kind permission, I will read you a small part of that sermon that has been modified to refer to my father at his own funeral here today.
"At about 5:30PM Last Tuesday afternoon, the bell tolled – and God reached down his hand from heaven to pick a human flower from this earthly field and replant it in the fertile ground of heaven – where it will never fade or wane again – but will blossom in full eternity.
On and Up goes the soul of one Richard John Johnson. He now has a new title. It is now Saint Richard. He is now enjoying the full revelation of his ransom and redemption through the blood of the cross. The gates of heaven open wide. The father runs to meet him and embrace him and welcome him home. At that precise moment all heaven breaks loose in songs of jubilation and triumph.
One of the archangels, perhaps Michael or Gabriel, comes over to him and says, Richard, you played the Easter Trumpet for so many years on earth – why don’t you try your lip on this one? And with that the archangel hands him his celestial trumpet. With trembling fingers, Richard begins to blow the archangels horn – and the angel choirs sing a NEW TE DEUM: SALVATION BELONGS TO OUR GOD WHO SITS UPON THE THRONE, AND TO THE LAMB….. AMEN
When the music is ended, there is a sudden stirring silence and Richard looks up and there he sees his Savior. FACE TO FACE. He kneels down and cries out ‘ My Lord and MY GOD!’ Unable to contain themselves the angel choirs begin to sing “WORTHY IS THE LAMB WHO WAS SLAIN TO RECEIVE POWER AND WEALTH AND WISDOM AND MIGHT AND HONOR AND GLORY AND BLESSING! Amen"
The portion of the Sermon I just read was delivered from this pulpit August 26, 1971 – 33 years ago to the week.
We need to remember, that although we are here today to commemorate Dad’s Life we should celebrate it as well. When I am done speaking a video will be shown that I created for Pop’s 75th birthday just this past November. Although we are gathered here today not for his birthday, but for something far sadder, I think you will find that it is comforting. It is to me.
One of life’s ironies is that when you are born you are crying – but it makes other people laugh with joy. Throughout Pop’s life he made us laugh and his departure now makes us cry.
And so I will close with one of Dad’s simple one word sayings that he would write in greeting cards and say to others when the situation was right. ‘Godspeed’ Dad. You did it right and have left an enormous legacy.
I love you so much and look forward to the day we will be together again.