Tony Johnson of Harrisonburg, Virginia passed away yesterday. The cause of death was a massive heart attack. He was found by his parents at about 5:00 PM.
Please leave comments and momentos here. Anyone with photos or recordings of Tony should get in touch with me to have them presented here for posterity.
Bob German (bobgerman@bobgerman.com)
I was really sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. I wish to offer my condolences to Hugh, Jessie, Eve, and Randy. I remember Tony for his upbeat nature, his ability to always come up with a joke, and his enthusiasm whenever he discovered a new album or artist.
Don
Tony played astonishing guitar for The Coachmen. I was privileged to be in the group with him.
He had a limitless supply of enthusiasm and dry wit. My sour moods scurried away and hid when I was with him. He was the “Great Guy” we all know about but few get to meet
Tony’s interest in and concern for others made him a rock in time of trouble, though he’d not see it that way.
Though I am diminished by his passing, I will not stay down long, because taking a shine to life and accepting what comes were Tony’s roadmaps to his journey here. Whatever he had, he wanted everyone else to have, too. Let’s be getting to it.
I too went to school with Tony at JCM. Tony is proof that one does not have to be cruel, demeaning or overly wealthy to be popular or a success. For our riches are not measured by monetary funds, but by the measure of our friendships. Fame, not measured by how well known we are, but by the content and character of those friendships.
Maybe little known to him, but he was a leader and role model for us in Jr. High & many have done well to follow his lead. That shy smile, sometimes bordering on a little impish grin, will be remembered fondly, always. Especially by all of us girls that had crushes on him!
I am profoundly sorry for his family & numerous friends he has made over the years. But I know that Tony has left each & every one of you with many cherished memories & laughter to fill the empty space you now feel…if you let it.
Mona
What most people remember about Tony is , he was and will always be the guitar man, a talent that put all of us in awe. But my best memories of Tony, would have to be the innocent clown that was in him and did get out on many occasions. Tony could be talking with you or playing games or whatever, being just as serious and stern as one could be, and the next thing you know he would break out in some outragious rant, or laugh, that would just break the mood, once and for all. Growing up with Tony and Randy we were really close living just across the street from each other for a while. I have so many memories, that have came back in this past week , and all of them have made me smile. Tony I will miss you so much, we didnt see each other much over the past years, but you will forever be in my heart, and your laugh in my thoughts.
Lee
I went to high school at Eastern Mennonite High School with Tony and was best friends with his sister Eve. I was priveledged to spend many nights and weekends at the Johnson home and we often would end up in the basement were I got to enjoy Eve, Tony and Randy play. They would let me sing “backup” and as I have no musical ability to brag of what so ever this generous act is particularly a great memory. It sure was fun as a teenager to sing and play with those guys as I thought it was just so way cool with all the equipment and electric guitars and drums!
My very best memory was the time we had a talent show at school and we decided to sing “Let Your Love Flow”. I got to sing my usual backup and we spent every weekend practicing this song. Well the night of the talent show we got on stage and I promptly forgot everyword to that song. Thankfully Eve, Tony, and Randy did not need a backup singer because they stole the show!
So Tony, with your brown curls and your wide goofy smile even though I could not remember the words very well that night, they have been in my heart and my mind for over 25 years………..
“Just let your love flow like a mountain stream
And let your love grow with the smallest of dreams
And let your love show and you’ll know what I mean
It’s the season
Let your love fly like a bird on the wing
And let your love bind you to all living things
And let your love shine and you’ll know what I mean
That’s the reason…….”
Fondly and warmly remembered, Gwen
Good-bye Tony
I too am a friend of Tony and Eve’s from EMHS and spent many afternoons in their basement listening to Eagles’ songs. I have many fond memories of those times. I remember that talent show Gwen, but didn’t remember that you forgot the words. I remember what a hit their singing was however. Your memo is beautiful.
I am saddened by Tony’s untimely death. The memorial service was a nice tribute to his life. Of course I am left asking “why?” But the truth is that none of us know When our time will come. I hope you went with a sense of Peace Tony. Blessings and peace to the Johnson family. I pray a special blessing on Tony’s 3 children as well.
With love, Faythe Ropp Silveira