Brian Johnson

This week my good friend Brian Johnson passed away suddenly from an apparent heart attack one morning at his home.

Not much older than myself, Brian was powerful force of life. I had the pleasure of seeing the heartfelt side of his passion as a classmate of Leadership McLean County 2004. His full-bodied tenor laugh came out early and often, embedded in conversations that he so skillfully launched and peppered with questions to draw you comfortably in. How's the family? How's the career? How's our friend doing? There were few strangers in his company, and even the shyest felt like part of the gang. A gleeful, almost table-slapping storyteller, he was voted to the honor of class speaker at graduation. Afterward he had the highest attendance at our class reunion breakfasts. He was a loyal friend.

I also saw Brian's serious face in his chairmanship of the LMC interview and selection process during my time as class facilitator, and I hear that he was the same way in his managerial duties at the office. He asked tough questions, the kind that forced people to get out from behind a vague professional cover and express their true selves. This was just a manifestation of the person he was himself - a straight shooter whose emotions were honest.

Brian's time here was too short given all that he had to offer. Whatever divine purpose his passing may have served must truly be great, for he departs with a large extended family behind him.