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Rick Johnson

  • June 24, 1943 - March 15, 2010
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Memories & Candles

“I think I am finally ready to write this... 20 years of friendship and memories, laughter and learning, from both Rick and Debbie, has been and...Read More » ”
1 of 35 | Posted by: sally adams - abq, NM - friend

“Rick Johnson was a wonderful person, full of life and integrity. It was a pleasure working for him and his company. He always took care of his...Read More » ”
2 of 35 | Posted by: Lorraine Halderman

“My heartfelt condolences to Debbie and the family. I've lost touch over the years but often thought of Rick and his unerring instinct. He was a...Read More » ”
3 of 35 | Posted by: Linn Tytler - Albuquerque, NM

“Debbie and family - My sympathies to you on Rick's death. I am proud to have been one of your team and consider my time at the agency to be one of...Read More » ”
4 of 35 | Posted by: Carolyn B. Winton - Albuquerque, NM

“My fondest memories and great respect for Rick will always be with me, and my sincerest thoughts are with you Debbie and family over this loss. Take...Read More » ”
5 of 35 | Posted by: Gary Doll - Dallas, TX

“I learned a lot about advertising in New York City but I didn;t know how to translate that to New Mexico when I moved here in 1986. Rick and Debbie...Read More » ”
6 of 35 | Posted by: Robert Belinoff - Corrales, NM

“Dear Debbie, We were so sorry to hear about Rick’s passing last week, and we want to send you our deep sympathy. We first met both of you...Read More » ”
7 of 35 | Posted by: Gerald and Mary Joyce May - NM

“Debbie and Family I am very sorry about your loss. Debbie; I only met you at the last meeting of the Advisory Board in Kansas City. I enjoyed your...Read More » ”
8 of 35 | Posted by: Terry McClain - Omaha, NE

“Dear Debbie and the entire Johnson family. My deepest sympathies are with you during your time of loss. ”
9 of 35 | Posted by: Michael Seligman - family friend

“Debbie, there aren't enough words to tell you how sad I feel. I wish I could be there, if only to give you a hug and listen to wonderful stories. Mom...Read More » ”
10 of 35 | Posted by: Mary Dabney Rockefeller - TN

“My heart is saddened for Debbie over the loss of her husband, friend and soulmate, Rick. They were a great team, both in the advertising community...Read More » ”
11 of 35 | Posted by: Roger Dibble - Albuquerque, NM

“Debbie, I am so sorry to hear about Rick. I haven't kept in touch with anyone from my old RJC days until just recently and I see now what a foolish...Read More » ”
12 of 35 | Posted by: Yolanda Nieto

“Debbie, I am bereft, and will add a joyous memory another time. I will be attending the service. Lisa ”
13 of 35 | Posted by: Lisa Nolan - Scottsdale, AZ

“Debbie, my heart is sadden to hear about Rick's passing and you are in my thoughts and prayers. I've never met anyone so easy to sit and talk with,...Read More » ”
14 of 35 | Posted by: Judy Henderson

“Debby, My first real opportunity to work with Rick was the 1991 Annual Report of First Financial Corporation, First National Bank’s parent. It was...Read More » ”
15 of 35 | Posted by: Edward T. O'Leary

“To the family of Rick Johnson, I offer my deepest condolences. I worked with Rick at The First National Bank in Albuquerque for many years. During...Read More » ”
16 of 35 | Posted by: Linda Broocke Daniels - Artesia, NM

“I am so saddened by the news of Rick's passing. I have had the utmost respect for Rick and Debbie and know how hard it is to lose a loved one. My...Read More » ”
17 of 35 | Posted by: Sadie Burns Pruisner - AR

“Debbie, We are very out of touch since our move to Alaska. We are in Abq part time. Rick was fighting his battle unbeknownst to us. Oh, the pain...Read More » ”
18 of 35 | Posted by: Wayne and Ann Wolf

“I am honored to be one of the RJC alumni and have some of my fondest memories tied to working with Rick Johnson. He was an inspiring leader, with an...Read More » ”
19 of 35 | Posted by: Pat Kroken - Albuquerque, NM

“Debbie, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Rick was such a great guy. I've been reading all the beautiful remembrances in the newspapers. I...Read More » ”
20 of 35 | Posted by: Terry Kocon - Albuquerque, NM

“Hi Debbie, I was so sorry to hear about Rick. He was a role model and he lead by example. These are the best compliments I feel a person can receive....Read More » ”
21 of 35 | Posted by: Paul Murray - Santa Fe, NM

“A candle from Costa Rica and a prayer for the family. "Bad news travels fast" they say and so, I join the many who are saddened by the news of Rick...Read More » ”
22 of 35 | Posted by: Kevin Reilly - past associate

“Debbie my dear I feel like that time worn expression , "my heart is full and my tongue can't speak" Know that I am here for you . My thoughts and...Read More » ”
23 of 35 | Posted by: Thelma Domenici - Friend

“Rick and Debbie Johnson, putting it very simply, have played a big part in my life and dreams. Rick could be funny, positive and very serious all at...Read More » ”
24 of 35 | Posted by: John Wagner

“Blessings of comfort and peace to you Debbie. Rick was an incredible human being and has left a lasting legacy in friendships, professional...Read More » ”
25 of 35 | Posted by: Linley and Michael Daly

“Rick Johnson was a colleague, confidant, consummate competitor-- and, boy, was he tough. But beneath that particular skin, he was one of the most...Read More » ”
26 of 35 | Posted by: PETER STRASCINA

“I spent many years within the walls for RJC working with the incredible staff and the truly talented and creative team of Rick and Debbie Johnson. As...Read More » ”
27 of 35 | Posted by: Kay Glancey - El Paso, TX

“Although a fierce competitor, Rick was also a confidant, and a treasured friend, as is Debbie. My heart goes out to your family for the loss of your...Read More » ”
28 of 35 | Posted by: Jim Cooney - Albuquerque, NM

“Debbie and Rick have been long time supporters of United Way of Central New Mexico. I have been at UWCNM for 14 years and their partnership with us...Read More » ”
29 of 35 | Posted by: Joanne Fine

“Rick was one of the smartest and nicest people we knew. He was always such a positive person and obviously demonstrated great courage in his battle...Read More » ”
30 of 35 | Posted by: Art & Carole Wintheiser

“I remember meeting Rick in 1977 when he had an office in the first plaza and First National Bank was his biggest account...Over the years I was proud...Read More » ”
31 of 35 | Posted by: Arny Katz - Albq , NM

“There are no words to express our sorrow. His life ended on his terms, after an incredible battle. Debbie introduced me to my husband; I planned...Read More » ”
32 of 35 | Posted by: Kristin Kailey Monterrey, Mexico

“Rick and Debbie and I worked together on and off for thirty years. Sometimes we had smooth sailing, sometimes not. But through the years I always...Read More » ”
33 of 35 | Posted by: Dale Stolz - Albuquerque, NM

“Susan and I were very saddened to hear of Ricks passing. We considered both Rick and Debbie as personal friends. We enjoyed the time we spent with...Read More » ”
34 of 35 | Posted by: Barry and Susan Beaman - Dallas, TX

“On behalf of the French Family of Companies, we express our deepest condolences. ”
35 of 35 | Posted by: Buck Dyck


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JOHNSON - Rick Johnson - Many of us lost a rare and special friend, and the community a respected and passionate leader when cancer claimed Rick Johnson this week at age 66. Rick finally ended his two and a half year standoff with that wretched disease….but cancer plays dirty, so it prevailed. However, it found a true foe in Rick Johnson, who beat the odds and exceeded doctor’s expectations throughout. Rick was born in Evansville, Indiana, and lived a childhood filled with exploration of neighborhood forests and canoe-filled lakes. He terrorized old ladies on his bicycle “Blue Flame,” wearing his orange action figure cape—much to his mother’s chagrin, as it was her bath mat. Rick moved to NM as an adolescent, became a Jefferson Jet, miraculously stayed out of the pokey, forged decades-long friendships, and is still close to many of his junior high buddies today. He attended Highland High School as a jock—preferring sports and girls to studying, and cars to books…..but his quick mind and huge intellect spared him from bad grades and detention—most of the time. At UNM, he pledged Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, knowing it would be a strong academic environment…but then helping him get the most out of his college years in “Animal House” style. He cemented many more strong and lifelong relationships with his Pike brothers. He also began a lifetime love of words—excelling in English, writing, psychology and literature—all of which prepared him for a career in advertising. His first professional job, however was as a banker. He was lifted off the UNM campus by the California Wells Fargo recruiters, and spent his first tenure on the west coast learning economics on the job. He also discovered he had a keen business acumen, management abilities, and a love of numbers—which he eventually parlayed into a graduate degree in banking from the prestigious Wisconsin School Of Banking. Missing Albuquerque, he returned and was lured into advertising to join George Mellekas as Vice President of Mellekas and Associates in the early 70’s, but then back into banking by another mentor named George—George Maloof, from whom he learned focus and great business lessons like “less is more.” Fulfilling a dream of owning his own business, he formed Rick Johnson and Company in 1977 on a card table in his den. He incorporated in 1979, and over the next few years with his beloved wife and partner, Debbie, went on to build the ad agency into one of the largest and longest-tenured success stories in the region. The agency is now well into its thirty-third year, managed by the second-generation leadership of a trusted and valued management team that has worked side by side with Rick and Debbie for decades, along with an enormously talented and dedicated staff. Rick was a generous and involved member of the non-profit community in ABQ, where he shared his considerable talents, insights and drive. He served as a board member of many organizations, including ACCION, Albuquerque Community Foundation, Explora, Greater ABQ Chamber, Middle Rio Grande Business Education Collaborative, NM First, NMSO, UNM Alumni Association, UNM Foundation, Anderson Schools of Management, YMCA, Youth Development Inc. Rick is remembered among those groups for his wry and gracious humor, his uncanny ability to build consensus from chaos, and his piercing compassion for the causes he served. Often when asked, and more often when intrigued and inspired, he also shared his gifts in service as a committee member for ARCA, New Mexico Business Roundtable for Education, UNM Colleges of Arts & Sciences and Communications & Journalism, and more. Rick was honored by the NMAF as a Silver Medalist, KAFB as an Honorary Commander, UNM Outstanding Alumni and more. He and Debbie received the GACC Maxie Anderson Small Business of the Year, TANM Tourism Professionals of the year, Spirit of Achievement Award from National Jewish Hospital, and the New Mexicans of Vision Award from the YWCA, and NMBW Power Brokers for 11 years running. The agency won over 1500 local, regional and national creative awards in its first 30 years, as well being a charter member of the NM Private 100, and receiving the EMORY award for effective business management from Affiliated Advertising Agencies International. Rick thrived on exercise and the outdoors and was an avid tennis player for years, his favorite hitting partners his adored daughters Lauren and Leslie. In recent years he turned his attention to golf, from which he derived huge joy (and frustration) on courses all over the country. However, he favored his home course, ACC, and his regular treasured Tuesday afternoon group of long-time and dear friends who laughed as hard as they worked on their games. He and Debbie also jogged together every weekend, and prior to his illness spent every weekend for almost three decades on the trails together. He ran eight miles the day before his crushing diagnosis. The Johnsons also loved to travel, and were fortunate to be able to see the world together. Rick had a rare ability for languages, and, in addition to Spanish, spoke enough Chinese and Japanese to get directions to the bathrooms and restaurants. Rick’s optimism and creativity carried over into his courage and determination in his attack on cancer, earning him the love and affection of the many close friends and caregivers. Rick and Debbie and the family want to send deep gratitude to the many, many angels who kept us out of cancer’s clutches, including personal friends, the amazing, efficient and compassionate medical and nursing staff at UNMCC and UNMH, led by the brilliant Dr. Fa Chyi Lee. We are also indebted to the management team and staff at RJC and appreciative of the folks at Pres Hospice. Rick is survived by his wife, partner and soulmate, Debbie; treasured daughters Leslie Johnson of ABQ and Lauren Hegna of KC, son in law Corey Hegna, grandson Jacob and granddaughter Emily. His brother Doug and sister in law Ruth Johnson helped provide a foundation of hope and love throughout his illness. In

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