by Alexis Ann
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The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut presents the William Crawford Distinguished Service Award annually to an outstanding member of our community who exemplifies the spirit of service to one’s neighbors and who contributes to the quality of life in Eastern Connecticut. Dr. Raymond B. Johnson, formerly of Pfizer Inc., is this year’s award recipient. “Dr. Johnson is an inspirational example of this service,” announced Tony Sheridan, President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, to a gathering of 400 people who joined in honoring this extraordinary man, Ray, on November 5th at the Mystic Marriott.
Dr. Ray is a native of Washington, D.C. and following his graduation from Dartmouth College, 1959, he completed medical training at Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, D.C. Upon graduation, Ray joined the Navy Medical Corps and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology. He served as Chief of Gastroenterology at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, and Chief of Internal Medicine Service and Director of Clinical Services at the Naval Submarine Medical Center, Groton. Subsequently, he became the commanding officer of the Naval Regional Medical Center, Newport, RI, and completed his naval career as commanding officer of the Naval Hospital, Bethesda, MD, retiring in 1985.
If you know Ray, you know that Ray gives back to his community in a BIG way. Since 1990, Ray served on the Board of Trustees at Waterford Country School. David Moorehead, executive director, Waterford Country School, said, “Ray is the epitome of a youth worker.” And, ironically, “Today is National Youth Worker Day.”
“Ray came to us in 1990, and began working with the youth almost immediately,” said David. “I remember Ray sharing his story of growing up in D.C. and overcoming adversity.” “He mesmerized the children.” He showed the youth that it can be done. “We are blessed to have Ray on our board.”
Ray serves as First Vice-Chairman of the Board and in June 2005, Waterford Country School designated its Children’s Medical Clinic as the “Raymond B. Johnson, M.D. Medical Clinic.”
Serving on the Board of Directors at Natchaug Hospital, for the past nine years, Ray took the leadership position as chairman in 2002. Upon his retirement in June 2009, Natchaug dedicated its Staff Resource & Education Center in Ray’s honor.
Stephen Larcen, PhD, President and CEO, Natchaug Hospital, while at the podium, offered the ultimate compliment, “It is a special honor for me to call Ray, my friend.”
“What struck me is Ray’s compassion for the story behind the numbers,” said Steve. Ray wanted to talk to our staff and experience our core values, firsthand. His “walk-around approach” and engagement with our staff demonstrated his true commitment to Natchaug. “We’re lucky to have Ray as our friend.”
Ray is a Corporator for both Dime Bank and the William W. Backus Hospital. Keith Fontaine, Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, Backus Hospital, Chairman, Board of Directors, Chamber of Commerce, when introducing Ray to the audience, defined the Crawford Award and said, “Ray exemplifies the spirit of this honor.” He continued, “The community is like a ship and everyone should be prepared to take the helm. With Ray Johnson at the helm, we can be assured of a safer and more secure harbor.”
Bill Stanley, emcee for this gala, introduced a member of Ray’s family, Michael Lewis, one of his six grandchildren. “Michael is a decorated, Purple Heart, Iraqi Veteran,” announced Bill. This prompted a standing applause from the audience, as a heartfelt salute to this young Marine Corporal. Michael told of a situation he was in while in the military. He said he knew if he called upon his grandfather, the problem would be solved.
“I called him at 3 a.m.,” told Michael.
“How much time do we have?” asked Ray.
“Until 11:00 a.m.”
“At 10:00 a.m., my grandfather phoned and said, “”Everything is taken care of.””
“I am a direct result of my grandfather’s dedication,” stated Michael. “I will try to follow in his footsteps!”
The final presenter, Dr. Jefferson Wiggins, a WWII Veteran and friend of Ray’s, opened with some honest humor, “It’s a long way from the cotton fields of Alabama to this wonderful place here tonight!” The audience gave it up in applause and laughter, but the message was clear: We’ve come a long way, but let’s not forget where we came from.
There was silence in the audience as Dr. Wiggins recited from MEMORY, a poem, about a Bridge Builder, by Will Allen Dromgoole.
The Bridge Builder
An old man, going a lone highway, Came, at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm, vast, and deep, and wide, Through which was flowing a sullen tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim; The sullen stream had no fears for him;
But he turned, when safe on the other side, And built a bridge to span the tide.
“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim, near, “You are wasting strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day; You never again must pass this way;
You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide – Why build you this bridge at the even tide?
The builder lifted his old gray head:“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,
“There followeth after me today, A youth, whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm, that has been naught to me, To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim; Good friend, I am building this bridge for him.”
“Ray, you are a great bridge builder. You know how to build bridges that span racism, poverty, ….” “I hope you will continue to build bridges, my friend. And, I hope you will continue to be my friend because you cook pretty good meals, too,” joked Dr. Wiggins.
In recognition of his professional achievements and his community service, Ray was honored in May 2008 with a Lifetime Achievement Award, given by the State of Connecticut’s African-American Affairs Commission. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree by Dartmouth College, his alma mater.
Upon receiving this distinguished award, Dr. Ray, thanked all present. Speaking from the heart, Ray warned the audience that he is very emotional about this award and that he may even shed some tears. And, so he did, when thanking his grandson, Michael. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the audience.
Ray thanked EVERYONE for coming out to honor him. He mentioned the book, “Tuesdays with Morrie,” an old man, a young man and life’s greatest lessons, by Mitch Albom, and likened the evening’s event to what Mitch’s professor friend, Morrie, proposes in the book, holding a funeral BEFORE a person’s death, a “living funeral.”
Ray didn’t read a prepared speech. Instead, he discussed, “Nine lessons I have learned.”
1. You can learn from everyone: The way to be, the way not to be; the way to do things, the way not to do things.
2. People make the difference (vice technologically). Talk to people. If you want to talk to me, come see me or call me. I don’t email. I am not technical oriented. When in a leadership role, stand up for your people. LOYALTY is important.
3. Never forget where you came from.
4. Don’t “postpone” your expressions of love to people or pets.
5. Respect yourself first, and then others.
6. Remember “Please” and “Thank you.”
7. If you pat people on the back more, you’ll have to kick them in the butt less. Praise in public, criticize in private.
8. Give back by helping others.
9. Don’t expect financial remuneration or formal recognition for your efforts – enjoy the moment and the personal gratification gained.
Ray asked his wife, Arlene, to the podium and presented her with flowers. He praised Arlene for being his “soul mate” and stressed that he couldn’t have accomplished all without her. He credited her and the Chamber folks for helping to plan the evening’s event.
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”
-Henry Adams
Thanks for the nine lessons and more, Ray!
