More detail on this person: Russell E. Johnson
1951-2007. On December 7, 2007 I lost my best
friend, my husband of 34+ years, Russell Johnson.
Russell died suddenly of a massive heart attack at
our home. This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site:
03/10/2024
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I met Russell a year after his return from Viet
Nam so the only information I have of his military
career comes from stories he told me and what his
friends have told me. He graduated from flight
school in the classes 70-49/70-45 and was sent to
Viet Nam in the early part of 1971. He was a
scout pilot that flew an OH6 with the words "the
Pacifier" on the side. He was in the Americal
Division, D Troop, 1st of the 1st stationed in
DaNang. On May 22, 1971 he was shot down
resulting in the loss of his left leg. He was
very proud to be "one of the crazy ones" and said
many times that he wouldn't have done anything
else. He was also a member of the VHPA and was
looking forward to their 2008 reunion.
The second career for Russell was with the
Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission. For the first
eleven years with FWC a few of Russell's
responsibilities included working with alligators,
driving an airboat, and helping in the management
of various wildlife populations in the Florida
Everglades. In 1985 he transferred to the
Blackwater Forest Region and began working with
bears, fires and management of its wildlife
population and habitat. From the alligators in
South Florida to the bears in the Florida
Panhandle, Russell was a true adventuresome man.
He was scheduled to retire in January, 2009.
Russell's favorite pastime was his love of
boating. He purchased a boat a few years ago that
allowed us to "camp out" many weekends. He
spent a great deal of time "playing" on the boat
when we couldn't go out to sea. His love of the
sea had caused him to put this boat up for sale
because he had found a bigger one to use after his
retirement and had already decided places we could
visit at that time.
Very few people in this world will ever
experience a portion of the adventures Russell did
in his lifetime. It is due to the stories he told
me and the experiences he allowed me to share
that has made my life an adventure as well. I
will miss him more than anyone can imagine. For
Russell: The adventures you experienced and
shared; in the air, on land and at sea will never
be forgotten.
From: Pat Johnson