NEWS & STORIES
In Memory of Phil Johnson (1939 – 2021)
Phil Johnson, a beloved member of our Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing family, passed away on June 3, 2021. Those who had the pleasure of his company will always remember him as a strong family man who cherished his friends, community, and the great outdoors. He will be deeply missed by all of us.
All who knew Phil held him in the highest regard and speak of him with utmost respect and warmth. He set a standard of service that inspired countless volunteers to dedicate themselves to “healing those who serve” in their communities across the United States. One cannot overstate Phil’s contributions to our Cause, and the disabled veteran and fly fishing communities within. His selfless service has left a lasting mark and an unimpeachable model of service for all American citizens to follow.
In 2015, the Phil Johnson Exceptional Leadership Award was established as a tribute to his profound accomplishments, work within our organization and his exceptional leadership. Phil epitomized all that is exceptional and good in American volunteerism, leadership, and service to others. The award will continue to serve as a lasting reminder of his exceptional leadership and service.
Join us in extending our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Nancy. Phil is survived by his daughters, Karen (Marc) Touchette and Susan (Marvin) Moser; his son, Phil (Lindy) Johnson; his sister, Alice Clements; as well as eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Phil grew up in Chelmsford, Massachusetts where his lifelong passion for the outdoors began. His outdoor hobbies included fly fishing, fly tying, and hunting but what was truly special about his interests was the gift he had for sharing them with others. On any given day he could be spotted volunteering with Project Healing Waters at the VA, out to lunch with an old buddy from Habitat for Humanity, and then back volunteering in Petersburg at the Historic Farmer’s Bank.
As a salesman for GE it is no surprise he had the gift of gab, but Phil truly never met a stranger. His family jokes that he was “the Mayor” of wherever he was residing. Phil’s big personality and love for conversation will be truly missed by family and friends alike.
A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 pm on June 11th at Woody Funeral Home in Midlothian with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Project Healing Waters.
