Don R. Johnson ’55

Don was born March 4, 1933. He died Jan. 28, 2019, of lung cancer.

He came to us from the Landon School in Bethesda, Md. At Princeton he majored in biology and was a member of Cloister Inn.

Don earned a medical degree from George Washington University Medical School and served as a flight surgeon with the Air Force before establishing his private ophthalmology practice.

For more than 30 years he built trusting and caring relationships with thousands of patients. Don was a lifelong learner, especially in the arts and sciences.

He was awarded a patent for medical innovation and held various medical leadership positions, but found great joy in creating beautiful works of art through various mediums, including copper enameling and woodworking.

Following retirement Don passionately channeled his surgical precision and artistic eye to the craft of woodworking, where he developed a kinship with fellow turners who inspired his life and art. Most of his beautiful creations were given as gifts of love to friends, family, and charitable organizations.

Don will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him for his kind heart and limitless generosity. He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara. He is survived by three children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.