Ray Johnson, longtime Hillsdale College chemistry professor, passed away on Jan. 23 at the age of 73. A memorial service will be held for Johnson in The Village, Fla., on Feb. 7.
Johnson was hired onto the college faculty in 1969. For the first 20 years with Hillsdale, he was one of two members of the chemistry department. Professor of Chemistry Chris Van Orman said that Johnson can be credited with building the college chemistry department to what it is today.
Van Orman descried Johnson as a mentor and an “all-around good man” with a dry sense of humor and a deep passion for his work and the college. He said that Johnson “laid the groundwork” for Hillsdale to be certified by the American Chemical Society. This work included hiring on more faculty – Van Orman himself was hired by Johnson – securing funding for new equipment, and establishing a respected program.
“That was the guy he was – he really cared about his students and the college,” Van Orman said.
Over Johnson’s tenure, the number of chemistry majors at the college increased “four to five fold” Johnson estimated in an interview with The Collegian about his retirement in 2001.
“I would like to thank my colleagues on the Hillsdale faculty and staff for a great 32 years and I hope their careers will be as enjoyable as mine,” Johnson told The Collegian in that same interview. “I hope all Hillsdale students will remember to come back to Hillsdale after graduation and to keep in touch with faculty members. I really enjoy talking to students about their hopes and aspirations. Even better is seeing them again as alumni and hearing about their lives.”
Johnson is survived by his wife, Penny; his son, Ray Johnson; daughters, Karen (David) Yost and Cher (John) Stout; sister, Sarah Ackerman; and grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Jonathan, Wade, Whit, and Wyatt.
Cards of condolence may be sent to Penny Johnson, who lives at 1101 Presa Place, The Villages, Fla. 32159.
Johnson’s family asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Villagers for Hospice, 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, Fla. 32161.
Donations may also be made in Johnson’s name to New Covenant United Methodist Church, 3470 Woodbridge Dr., The Villages, Fla. 32162.
