Flavious M Johnson

As a person – Flavious was just as unique as was his name. He was modest and kept his life quite simple and solitary, though he would often let it slip just how important and loved his family and co-workers were to him. He had attributes and accomplishments that often warranted praise, but he would discourage it and even act uncomfortable when it was made. Over his life – he would often show compassion and provide help to others, with no expectations that it be returned. He extended this to animals as well. I have witnessed many examples of this over the years in the number of over-weight dogs and cats that were a consequence! He would often point out their innocence – and express concern over their misfortunes. I think this was a big testament to his humanity.

He was a very bright and creative individual – with the gift of being able to see things from a perspective that others did not. He demonstrated skills and insights well beyond what one might expect for someone with his level of educational training, being one of the most effective “self-taught” people that I have ever met. Skilled in carpentry, automotive mechanics, and design – with no formal training in any of those areas. His creativity and learning skills made him more successful that he would ever admit – and made him a valued and capable laboratory technician for Helena Agri-Enterprises for more than 15 years. And for those of us that worked with him both professionally and personally – he would often serve as a capable teacher and mentor, even though he would never recognize or see himself as such. I am very fortunate to have many skills today that are the consequence of us working on problems and projects together for more than 54 years. A perfectionist by any measure – and this was probably his biggest curse, as people with this attribute tend to be never satisfied with their own work or that of others. But this strive for a perfection that he would never achieve, resulted in outcomes that were often times second to none.

All of us that knew and worked with Flavious loved his wit, humor, and creativity. While at times he could be cantankerous and stubborn – I think these were just the “side effects” of having such unique perspectives and insights. He was just one more blessing in a long list that I have, and the skills and perspectives that he has taught me and others will be his greatest legacy.