Professor Emeritus Ronald Johnson Passes Away

Photo taken August 21, 2016 at the celebration of the 60th wedding anniversary (married 8/19/1956) of William and Barbara Heisler. Pictured along with William and Barbara Heisler are four of the wedding party from 60 years ago. They are, from the right: Robert Heisler MA '59, MDiv '77, DMin '€˜87 (DMin, Andrews), best man; Ronald Johnson (att.); Beryl Alderson Johnson MA '€˜93, bridesmaid; William Heisler (DDS); Barbara Alderson Heisler; Dennis Woodland (PhD); Betty Alderson Woodland (att.) DMus, maid of honor; and Jack Heisler, candlelighter. Photo was taken at the Redlands, California, Seventh-day Adventist Church. (Photo by courtesy of William Heisler)

On Wednesday evening, Sept. 21, Ronald Johnson, emeritus associate professor of engineering & computer science and emeritus director of Physics Enterprises at Andrews University, died at Lakeland after several days of severe illness resulting from a weakened immune system and infection.

“The most frequent comment that’s been made is that his memorable kindness will be sorely missed,” says Rhoda Johnson, Ronald’s daughter-in-law, and business and production coordinator for Physics Enterprises.

Ronald came to Andrews in the mid-1970s to teach engineering, and was instrumental in developing the four-year engineering program from what used to be a two-year preparatory program.

“Ron's role in running the operation of Physics Enterprises and in improving and marketing its products will be greatly missed,” says Keith Mattingly, dean for the College of Arts & Sciences. “But missed even more more will be his calm and quiet spirit, which brought much peace to the operation, giving all a great confidence that the work was in very capable hands.”

Funeral services will be held in the PMC Youth Chapel on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 4 p.m., with a viewing at 3 p.m.

Flowers may be sent through Allred Funeral Home.

Please feel free to leave messages of condolences for the family in the comments below.