Sports Hall of Famer Don Johnson passes away

One of the province’s most respected sports administrators died Saturday morning.

Don Johnson of St. John’s passed away following a brief hospital stay.

A member of a number of provincial Halls of Fame, including the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame, Johnson was mainly known for his involvement in hockey.

Following his playing days with St. Pat’s in the old St. John’s senior league, Johnson went on to serve as league president and eventually was elected president of the Newfoundland Amateur Hockey Association in 1965.

Ten years later, he became the first from Newfoundland to take over the top post in Canadian hockey when he was elected president of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association.

His contribution to hockey has stretched from the local St. John’s league all the way to the World Hockey Championships.

Along the way, he served on the organizing committees for the Canada Cup tournaments and was chairman of the 1978 world junior hockey championship in Montreal.

In addition to hockey, Johnson is in the Canada Games Council’s Hall of Honour, is a former member of the Canada Sports Hall of Fame selection committee, is an honourary life member of both Softball Newfoundland and Labrador and Sport Newfoundland and Labrador and is in Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador’s Hall of Fame.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Rosemary finn: - May 13, 2012 at 15:58:09

I remember Don for his contribution to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Don listened to all opinions and when he spoke he left a lasting impression. Don was especially supportive of the Award in Western Newfoundland, and we loved and appreciated this. I met Don and his wife at St. Theresa's Church last summer and was so happy to see him again. He was so supportive of the Award and appreciated the work of young people and their leaders. Rest in Peace, Don. Condolences to all the family. He will be missed. Rosemary Finn, Stephenville, NL.

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wayne macdougall: - May 13, 2012 at 14:43:36

Sorry to hear of my friend Don`s passing. A great man and a big loss for everyone who knew likable Don. PEI put up the Don Johnson trophy for Junior B hockey as he was very highly thought of in PEI. I remember when he presented the trophy in Kensington PEI to his son. What a great day. God bless you friend. Wayne Macdougall A past president of Hockey PEI.

a. heffernan: - May 13, 2012 at 13:07:37

Don Johnston was above all a great Christian and this was reflected in all that he did. I knew him partially through hockey but more so through the Royal St. John’s Regatta and our C.L.B. Regimental Band, for whom he had a great respect. His generosity and kindness knew no bounds. He took the time to visit our W.G. Tilley Museum and Archives and remained a loyal supporter and friend of our Brigade. To his family our deepest condolences. Donald Johnson added quality to our city and our province and we will miss him. J. A. Heffernan ( Colonel )

Randy Browne: - May 13, 2012 at 13:05:12

My association with the great Don Johnson goes back a long way as he was a friend of my father the late Jim Browne and our family. I had the pleasure of coaching both of his sons Peter (Duck ) and Michael in Hockey.Then for many years Don was always there for me through my Coaching and Administrative years with HNL.Don was not only a great human being and family man but is without a doubt one of the most respected, influential and important sports figures in NL and in all of Canada ! Rest well my friend, we in the sports world will miss you and remember you always.

alvin Anstey. Hockey Nova Scotia: - May 13, 2012 at 12:45:57

This is not a good day for me, i have lost a good friend and mentor. I dont see how the Don Johnson Cup can ever be the same without Don. How could i not forget our, for lack of a better word, chats, discussions and yes a few disagreements but oh so much fun. Agnes will miss your company and you and her rides to church. Rest in peace dear friend and rest assured up there you can continue your stories with old friends you will meet again

Anita: - May 13, 2012 at 10:28:33

To know Don was a privilege, to call him friend was a blessing. The defining characteristic of Don was his love of God, Don was a christian in every sense of the word. This was what enabled him to touch so many, this was what shone through when you met him. My condolences to his family, may they be assured that Don is in a far better place. Rest in peace.

Rob O'Hanley: - May 12, 2012 at 21:56:52

The Hockey world has lost one of it's legends and a good friend.. It was a pleasure to have met you and got to know you so well and call you my friend

Stephen Melamed: - May 12, 2012 at 19:39:17

I have known Don Johnson for many years. I have had dealings with him in his capacity as assistant Deputy Minister of Sports and Recreation with the Newfoundland and Labrador government. I served with Don for many years as a member of the Royal Newfoundland and Labrador Regatta Committee.He was a sportsman and a gentleman. He contributed greatly to the sport community of the province. He will be missed. My condolences to his family. My prayers are with them during their time of sorrow.

Dave Ashley: - May 12, 2012 at 18:12:36

As a volunteer member of the Nova Scotia Junior B Hockey League, I have had many opportunities over the past few years to attend the annual Don Johnson Cup. One of the things that I will miss the most, will be sitting and listening to Don tell his stories of his years both playing hockey, and working for hockey in this country. At 86, his memory of past enents still amazed me, and there were very few people involved in the sport who did not know his name. Rest in Peace old friend. I will miss your stories.

Bob Kieley: - May 12, 2012 at 17:08:52

Don said I took good care of him a couple of times on his travels through Gander, a point he acknowledged in one of his Telegram columns. I had the pleasure recently of meeting up with him and he recalled: "you were part of the Air Canada we used to love". I found him to be the best kind.

Larry Spurrell: - May 12, 2012 at 17:07:48

NL has lost a great person, not only was Don a great friend to sports he was a very good individual. Don was a very emotional person, which was known by all that truly knew him and it was very evident the last time I saw and spoke with him just weeks ago. That was at the opening ceremony for the Don Johnson Cup (the 'Atlantic Jr. B Hockey Championship' named in his honor) when many friends and colleagues join in a surprised celebration at the Jack Byrne Arena. It was one of few if any times that I saw him speechless, May God Bless Don and his enitre family.

Mike: - May 12, 2012 at 16:52:59

I've had the pleasure to chat with Don personally and his love of kids was evident the day my son and I spent at his house talking hockey. His walls were adorned with well wishes from so many former and current greats in the NHL. We even have a picture of Don allowing my son to wear his 2010 Olympic gold medal ring that Hockey Canada gave to him. The joy on Don's face will never be lost on me. A true testament to his devotion to the game and his love for kids. My heart goes out to his wife, who is a true gem and his children as well.

chuck mcburnie: - May 12, 2012 at 16:48:28

RIP Mr Johnson, im glad I had the opportunity to meet him. Condolances to the family.He was certainly a favorite of the Cumberland Blues fans.

robert tucker: - May 12, 2012 at 16:01:58

Don't know if Don was a great man, but he loved sports , especially promoting them and ensuring that funds were available for sports from GOVT! Newfoundland Labrador has lost a great promoter of Sports, especially in the area of hockey!

Jerome: - May 12, 2012 at 15:12:59

Very sad to read this announcement. Great man.

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The Telegram - Sports

Sports Hall of Famer Don Johnson passes away

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