Roy Johnson

Roy D. Johnson, 83, of Moorhead, MN, died Monday, October 24, 2011, at Sanford Health, Fargo. Roy David Johnson was born January 14, 1928, in Rockford, Illinois, son of Carl and Signe (Selberg) Johnson. He graduated from Augustana College in 1949. Roy served in the U. S. Army 43rd Division Band from 1950 to 1952. After his discharge, he received a Master of Music from University of Illinois in 1954. Roy became the head of the Department of Music at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1958. While directing the orchestra for ‘Der Jasager’ opera, “an innocent teacher became too well acquainted with a lovely soprano”, June Caryl Thompson, who became the love of his life. They married in August of 1958. Roy moved his family to Moorhead, Minnesota in 1961 to begin a long and distinguished career as a Professor of Music at North Dakota State University, Fargo. Roy taught at the International Music Camp in the International Peace Garden from 1961 through 2006. His love of music and teaching, affection for woodwind instruments and composing influenced many of his students throughout the years. He was truly an artist in the world of music. He was appointed as Professor Emeritus in 1995. Roy was a passionate golfer, bridge enthusiast, avid reader, and a force to be reckoned with at Trivial Pursuit. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a generous supporter of family, friends, and “small animals and lost causes.” His wisdom, passion for life and music, and his sense of humor will be greatly missed. Roy is survived by his stepson, Paul J. (Tamara) Thompson; stepdaughter, Lynne Winings; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, June C. Johnson; brother, Howard Johnson and sister, Katherine Maggio. The family requests that any memorials be made to the Humane Society in honor of his love of animals and the support of this charity. Memorial Service: Monday, October 31, 2011, at 2:00 PM, at NDSU Beckwith Recital Hall ~ Reineke Fine Arts Center, Fargo, ND.