

David Richard Johnson
Welcome
Thank you for visiting David's online tribute page. Please include condolences, memories, and tributes below. You may also include photos. David's celebration was recorded and will be posted in the next few days along with still images from his event. Please check back.
Information about the David R. Johnson Fund is at the bottom of the page.
If you wish to send a card, please mail to the address below:
The family of David R. Johnson
c/o Amy Hewitt
University of Minnesota
2025 East River Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55414
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Condolences, memories & tributes
Please add your name and message.
October 21, 2024
Today's Celebration for Life for David was beautiful! I learned so much about David and laughed at the many stories that were shared! David was on my PhD committee years ago. I really appreciated his time and expertise to complete my degree. I think my biggest memory is when I was in his grad class for completing the disability certificate. There were only 3 students in the class, so we did a lot of discussion time. On some class nights, David would have just gotten back from Washington DC. It was so great to listen to him share the inside stories of what advocacy looked like at that level! What an added value he brought to my learning---his commitment to persons with disability and advocacy to decision makers was amazing! I now work at ICI. About 4 months before David passed, I sat next to him at an ICI Staff meeting and thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting. I wish your whole family peace. He was an amazing person and is greatly missed. Sincerely,
October 21, 2024
I only joined ICI a month before David's passing, but it was clear that he had a significant impact on the work that we do and that we will continue to do. Although I never had the chance to meet him, I could feel a shift in the days following his passing - ICI felt a deep loss. David's presence was felt throughout the office, even when he wasn't physically there. As I've learned more about his work and contributions to disability rights, I'm grateful to be a part of the legacy. His memory will continue to inspire us, contributing to the important work that continues in his absence.
October 21, 2024
I am grateful that I had opportunities to work with David and learned a lot from him. Yes, he also caught me when I need help.
October 21, 2024
My career was enriched by David over many years at ICI. He led by modeling the way for others, and always had tips or tricks to share—or a funny antidote. His was generous with his time, spirit, and expertise. His care and love for his work will carry on for years to come, it lives on in many of us. I am deeply honored to have known David as a colleague, mentor, and friend.

October 21, 2024
I was privileged so serve with David on the Senate Disabilities Issues Committee. His empathy and leadership was integral to the committee’s successful passage of a university resolution to hire a full-time coordinator to serve students in recovery from substance use disorder. He worked creatively and compassionately on behalf of students who need help moving beyond institutional stigma. He was an inspiration.
October 21, 2024
Every interaction with David was an expression of the commitment to making a difference, as a natural self-expression - as a matter of simply who he WAS. And those interactions were full of shared pleasure and joy - to live from that commitment. Also after I retired from ICI, whenever we met again, great hugging upon seeing each other again - that warmth will always be missed.
October 21, 2024
David pushed everyone around him to be better, to strive to make the world a better place, and to enjoy doing it. He was a friend, mentor, collaborator, and someone that would always make me laugh with a joke in the back of a room at a conference session or meeting. He will be missed, but his impact on the field will be ongoing.
October 21, 2024
Dr. Johnson saw me through some tough times as a student, he always had a kind word to say followed by a kick in the pants for me to keep going. Thank you for teaching me the value of relationship building when paired with high quality work. I am yet to fish in Lake Michigan like you said to do but I will think of you when I do. You will be missed dearly, Dr. Johnson and your legacy will live on!
October 21, 2024
I worked with David on the Senate Disabilities Issues Committee. He was a tireless advocate for disability justice and access. During his time on the committee, including 2 years as chair, he contributed to real change across the University, including the professional development module on supporting students with disabilities and adding language about how to get help to annual messages about substance use on campus. He was a dedicated and hard working member and leader.
October 21, 2024
I have so many wonderful memories of David - from his support as I worked on my dissertation to his support as I worked on various grant proposals and his support when I became the director of NCEO. He was always there for students and staff.
October 21, 2024
With deepest gratitude for David’s leadership, his scholarship and contributions, and always his kindness.
With deepest condolences to David’s family, colleagues at ICI, and all who have been touched by his life and presence.
May his memory be a blessing.
Deborah Spitalnik
With deepest condolences to David’s family, colleagues at ICI, and all who have been touched by his life and presence.
May his memory be a blessing.
Deborah Spitalnik
October 21, 2024
My condolences to family and friends.
October 21, 2024
David was my PhD advisor and provided me a level of support that I will deeply miss. His wisdom, curiosity, kindness and care always provided me the opportunities to discover my next learning edge and made me a better scholar and practitioner because of it. His spirit will shine through the lives of those he touched on his journey. Thank you to his family for giving us the opportunity to know him and work with him, he will be dearly missed and always honored and remembered
October 21, 2024
David was such a wonderful colleague and friend to so many of us. He was major leader in our field, and he was also so fun, funny, kind, generous and just a really good guy. I loved getting the updates on his family, but especially on the horses and dogs. We will miss his presence in our lives. My deepest sympathies to is family and friends.
October 21, 2024
I was lucky to get to know David early in my career when I worked at ICI in the early 90's. Later in my work at the Minnesota Department of Education, I continued to learn about his tremendous depth of expertise and how well respected and valued it was in state and national discussions. I loved sitting next to him at meetings and hearing his quiet wisdom and perspectives, as well as his selectivity on when he shared them, He was a great friend and colleague and is greatly missed.
October 21, 2024
The photo! I think he was making a joke when he put my hood on but I can't remember what it was.

October 21, 2024
David was my supervisor when I worked for the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition. I remember him saying, "some people hunt, some people fish and some people write grants." He was a master at grant writing and was always concerned that our work made a difference for the people we served.
David was instrumental in moving required professional development for faculty and instructors forward. Whether it was through his leadership in the Senate Committee on Disabilities Issues or rolling up his sleeves to read each and every word of the three course modules to provide feedback, David was always committed to improving access for people with disabilities. I am very grateful to have worked with David in my 32 years at the U.
David was instrumental in moving required professional development for faculty and instructors forward. Whether it was through his leadership in the Senate Committee on Disabilities Issues or rolling up his sleeves to read each and every word of the three course modules to provide feedback, David was always committed to improving access for people with disabilities. I am very grateful to have worked with David in my 32 years at the U.
October 21, 2024
David was my boss but he also supported me in getting a Regent's Scholarship to get my PhD while working at ICI. It meant so much to me on the day I got my Ph.D. -- he put the hood on me with my advisor and then gave me a big hug. That was really a special day! Have been looking for the photo and haven't found it yet.
October 21, 2024
David was a stellar mentor. I learned so very much from his guidance, example, and most excellent dry humor. His impact extended far beyond Minnesota, and our national systems are better for his work. He is missed.
October 21, 2024
When I think of David, I think of 2 Timothy 4:7
"I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
I am forever grateful for such a role model, a mentor, and a friend!
October 21, 2024
I am sorry for the loss that David's death brings to his loving family, to ICI, to the University of Minnesota, to the UCEDD network, and to all of the families of people with DD and ID who have benefitted from his wisdom, his kindness, and his insight. Do we benefit from David's sense of humor? Well, for me a well-placed comment from him was always welcome. I can see that smile--the sideways one that was so effective. Can you? It is a good way to remember this great man.
October 21, 2024
I could always count on David to tell it like he saw it - with clear intention, dedication, and a wonderfully big heart. I smile when I think about his lack of enthusiasm for "team building" exercises, especially when I realize he was the best team member one could ever hope for. I miss knowing he is on this earth.
October 21, 2024
A friend, a change agent, a reticent expert and a genuinely good guy. I will miss sitting in the back of the room with him.
October 21, 2024
My condolences on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. David was an awesome colleague and made innumerable contributions to the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. He was a wonderful mentor to so many. May your memories sustain you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
'
Celia S. Feinstein, Executive Director Emerita, Institute on Disabilities, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Sincerely,
'
Celia S. Feinstein, Executive Director Emerita, Institute on Disabilities, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
October 21, 2024
I have so many fond memories of working with David during my 15 years at the University of Minnesota. He was a leader in his field, at the university, and among his colleagues. He will not be forgotten.
David R. Johnson Fund
The David R. Johnson Fund honors the distinguished legacy of David R. Johnson, former director of the Institute on Community Integration, professor in Organizational Leadership and Policy Development, and associate dean of research for the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development. The fund supports research, demonstration, and evaluation to improve policy and services for people with disabilities. It provides awards to University of Minnesota students, staff, and community partners for initiatives that advance innovation, entrepreneurship, and professional development in K-12 education, transition to inclusive post-secondary education, competitive integrated employment, and community living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
https://z.umn.edu/JohnsonFund
Checks can be mailed to UMF/CEHD - David R. Johnson Fund, PO Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266
https://z.umn.edu/JohnsonFund
Checks can be mailed to UMF/CEHD - David R. Johnson Fund, PO Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266