Johnson loved his London
Bruce Johnson, BA’81, passed away on Nov. 18. He was a passionate and dedicated supporter of the arts, downtown London and the Alumni Association of The University of Western Ontario. He was a community representative on university Senate, 2008-10. Bruce was also my friend.
When I met Bruce in the late 80s, he had just begun his term as London Chamber of Commerce president. I was astounded he could simultaneously hold down senior volunteer roles with the Chamber, the United Way and other community organizations, all while managing a major administrative department at the London GM plant.
In the 1990s, we missed Bruce for a few years when he took a company transfer to Illinois. Returning to London later that decade, Bruce retired from his corporate life. And that’s when he really went to work. He dabbled in a variety of part-time positions, even helping to manage the fledgling careers of a number of local performing artists. Bruce did this to reconnect with London, and to determine where his personal interests in the arts and contemporary music could best be parlayed for the benefit of his hometown.
Fortunately for Western, Bruce also loved his alma mater. After a DJ stint at CHRW radio, with his trademark Steely Dan sign-offs, Bruce became the leader of the Alumni Western London Branch, 2004-06. He conceptualized and delivered “The Psychology of the Beatles,” blending a faculty lecture and a pop music performance extraordinaire to a packed house in Middlesex College. Bruce also pioneered and steered the London branch’s most enduring annual event, “Love Your London,” an alumni reception in a different museum, gallery or performance hall each June.
Characterized by verve, passion, loyalty and integrity, Bruce had no time for pretense or pomposity. I will miss our monthly luncheons, and so will the restaurant owners, staff and the adjacent diners, all of whom had no choice other than to be engaged in our experience. Bruce, we will continue to love your London, but it won’t be the same without you.
There will be a celebration of Bruce’s life at 7 pm Nov. 28 at the Arts Project, 203 Dundas Street.