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JOHNSON -- DOUGLAS A brilliant educator, beloved husband and step-father, doting grandfather and treasured friend, Doug Johnson was a gift to his family and all who knew him. Doug made it to 70, defying the odds against his cancer and delighting those of us eager to spend every last day with him. A resident of Albuquerque for 60 years, Doug was a graduate of Highland High School and UNM. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, and responsible, no doubt, for keeping the chapter grade point average up. An outstanding student, he was awarded an academic scholarship to MIT in 1959, but preferred the warm climate and culture of NM, so returned to Albuquerque to finish his education. It was during his first year at UNM law school when he volunteered to tutor a group of newly pledged PIKE's, that Doug discovered his love of education, and this would become his life's work. Doug earned love and respect from students and colleagues as a teacher, area coordinator of special education, assistant director of special education and principal. He was one of the pioneering planners who integrated severely handicapped children from segregated facilities into the public school setting. He opened the first school within the UNM Children's' Psychiatric Hospital. Most recently, he worked with Cooperative Education Services evaluating students with disabilities for the Belen Consolidated School District. Doug considered himself privileged to work with colleagues whose dedication and commitment to the education of young people turned their work into a calling. Doug and Ruth were fortunate to be able to travel the world together, and while Italy was Doug's favorite country, Paris was his favorite city and where he and Ruth celebrated four of their 25 anniversaries. When faced with the many terrible, but lifesaving, procedures during the five years of his illness, he would close his eyes and return to the sunflower fields of southern France. His interests were many and varied. He held season tickets to Lobo Football and the Santa Fe Opera, was a classical pianist and never missed the Thirsty Ear country music festival where he and Ruth danced every dance. Doug will be greatly missed as he joins his only brother, Rick Johnson, who passed away last year. He is survived by his wife Ruth; step-sons, John and Demian Armstrong; daughter-in-law, Heather Armstrong; four grandchildren, Athena, Ethan, Dillon and Evan; step brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Judy Weidman; foster-son John Franks; sisters-in-law Debbie Johnson, Becky Moore and Sharon Hankla; and the many family and friends who shared his life. A memorial service will be held at the UNM Alumni Chapel on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 9:30 a.m., where most Saturdays Doug and Ruth walked with their dog Jazz. Doug was grateful for many things in his life, but especially for the wonderful healthcare professionals at the UNM Cancer Center and UNM Hospital, most notably, surgeon, Dr. Glenroy Heywood who saved Doug's life by having the courage to perform a surgery that few surgeons would have attempted, and oncologist, Dr. Fa Chi Lee whose optimism matched Doug's and whose brilliant mind and commitment enabled Doug to live for years beyond initial predictions. Doug and Ruth considered each day a gift. In lieu of flowers, please send a check to UNM Cancer Center. Note Doug Johnson Memorial on the check and mail to: UNM Cancer Center, MSC07 4025, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001. Contributions will be used to support cancer research. Please visit our online guest book for Doug at: www.RememberTheirStory.com. FRENCH 1111 University Blvd NE 505-843-6333
        Published on: Sun October 09, 2011