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:
01/11/2025
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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