DECEASED  —  David Johnson, a retired Sixth District international representative who was known for his wealth of knowledge and teaching skills, died July 4. He was 77.

“He was a good guy. We had a lot of laughs together,” retired Sixth District International Representative Jim Dahlberg said. “I’m going to miss him.”

A Michigan native, Johnson was initiated into Imlay City, Mich., Local 1410, which amalgamated with Mason Local 1106 in 1970. An installer and repairman for General Telephone, which later became GTE, Johnson held numerous positions in his local, including president in 1974.

He was assistant business manager from 1975 to 1979 and business manager from 1979 to 1983, when he was appointed to serve as an international representative by International President Charles Pillard.

In that capacity, Johnson serviced telephone, cable television, radio, broadcasting and manufacturing locals throughout the district.

“He could instruct across all branches of the Brotherhood,” said retired Sixth District International Representative Mike Daugherty, who worked with Johnson on trainings and service representative assignments. “He had a lot of knowledge and life experience and could convey that to the members. He was a real people person.”

Sixth District International Representative Bruce Getts met Johnson in 1995 when he was a member of Fort Wayne, Ind., Local 723. He remembers his mentor as a “kind and humble servant” who never missed an opportunity to impart some wisdom.

“Every contact was a teaching moment with Dave,” Getts said. “And his favorite teaching technique was to challenge.”

Getts recalled working with Johnson in 1997 when Getts was a business representative on his first arbitration case. The local was originally going to use a lawyer, but Johnson offered his services instead. He worked closely with Getts, helping him prepare, then encouraged him to take the lead.

“He told me: ‘You know more about this than I do. You can ask the questions. I’ll be here if you need me,” Getts said. “We went on to win that case in a big way, winning back work that had been taken from Local 723’s jurisdiction and a substantial financial settlement for our members.”

Getts now works in the position Johnson held as the Sixth District servicing representative for telecommunications and serves as a staff member for the annual Sixth District Arbitration Institute at the University of Illinois. 

“I’d like to believe that I am carrying on his legacy,” Getts said.

A Vietnam veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart, Johnson held multiple positions with the Michigan chapter of the AFL-CIO early in his career, including as a trustee, executive council member and executive board member. He was later elected chairman of the Antrim County Democratic Party. Johnson also served as a volunteer firefighter.

“He was a fine example of our union,” Daugherty said. “He was a gentleman and always willing to help.”

Johnson will be remembered as a great member who was respected by the workers and a strong leader who the locals looked up to, Dahlberg said.

“Our members are such a pool of talent, and Dave was the cream at the top,” he said.

Johnson will also be remembered for his devotion to the IBEW, Daugherty said.

“He had the skills to be a vice president,” he said. “He was a class act.”

Johnson was an avid outdoorsman who loved fly fishing, hunting and golf. He was the proud father of two sons, Dave and Chris, with his wife, Isabel. He was also loved by his grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a great-grandchild.

On behalf of the officers, staff and members, the IBEW extends its deepest condolences to Brother Johnson’s family and friends, with eternal gratitude for his decades of service to the union and to the cause of working people.