Thomas Emhardt Johnson

Message from Amy Knieriem

Julie, Natalie, Garrett and Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. Tom was an amazing man and a good friend. It was always such a pleasant surprise when I arrived at the tennis court to find that he was there and we would be playing together that night. He was so thoughtful and supportive on the court and off and really took an interest in others' lives. He was very accomplished but always humble. He will be greatly missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Amy and Don Knieriem

Message from Bjorn Olsson

Just heard the terrible news. My wife Karina and I have known Tom for many years, as a member of LHAT and for a time professionally as a client of Martinez & Johnson. When we first got to know him, we were novices in the world of historic theaters and preservation, and Tom was such a patient, kind, knowledgeable, sharing person, always taking the time to explain, encourage and share.

He was also such a nice company in general, always speaking so lovingly about his family.
We will miss him, and always think so fondly of him.
Our thoughs are with his family through this time of heartbreak and mourning.

Message from Alec Stoll

All of us at Stages were deeply saddened to learn of Tom's passing. He was truly 'one of the good ones' - always pleasant, funny and easy to talk to. I looked forward to seeing him at LHAT, PAMC and other conferences that we frequented together. The firm he built, and his many outstanding architectural projects stand as a testament to his creativity, skill and knowledge. I will miss him, and I'm truly grateful to have known him.

Alec Stoll

A candle was lit by Ivonne Couret on August 27, 2017 7:57 PM

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The Johnson family is in my thoughts and prayers; I'm sorry for your loss and sending you my deepest sympathy during this very sad time. May the memories of the best of times strengthen your heart and bring peace. Kind regards, Ivonne Couret

A candle was lit by Ivonne L Couret on August 27, 2017 7:51 PM

Message from Michael J. Mills, FAIA

I was so saddened to learn of Tom's passing upon my return from vacation on August 26th. He was a colleague in the field of historic preservation and a talented architect for whom I had the highest respect. He and his firm have done wonderful work in renovating historic public buildings, including theaters, into vibrant new facilities. That will certainly be his lasting legacy. He had a great sense of humor and we became fast friends. In addition to being sometime competitors, we also pursued projects together. I was one of his recommenders for Fellowship and I was so proud when he was elevated by the AIA. I will miss him greatly and I send my heart felt condolences to his family.

Michael Mills

Message from Susan PIedmont-Palladino

I was on vacation and didn't know about this until recently. My heart goes out to Tom's family--I am so sorry for your loss. I have known Tom for years, and always enjoyed seeing him at various architecture events around the city. He was so accomplished, yet self-deprecating, always smiling. His work was always about making wonderful places for people, and those places will always be his legacy.

Message from Pam Howell

Tom was a great architect and mentor to me during my first years as an architect. I will always be grateful to him in his kind and thoughtful mentorship.

Message from Anne Barrett Cole

To all of the Johnsons, I am so sorry for your loss. Tommy and I were childhood friends in the neighborhood and at Minnie Howard. I remember him drawing all the time, so I wasn't surprised to learn he became an architect. Love to you all, Anne

Message from Jonathan Kendall

Condolence from the entire Kendall family. Tom was an innovator, a gentleman, and a truly good fellow. It was my honor to say that I knew him. Jonathan

A candle was lit by Anon on August 21, 2017 10:04 AM

Message from Lee, Patti, Bobby, Ryan and Tara McCalebs

Julie, Natalie, Garrett and Family,
We are so heartbroken for your loss! We will remember Tom as a kind, loving and funny man.
He had a love for the arts, travel, tennis, fishing, pirates, a good libation, but most of all his family and friends. With Tom around there was always a good story, a hearty laugh, and a sense that you could bring more to the world than you ever thought possible. He was truly a kindred spirit and a reinaissance man. We feel honored to have all of you in our lives! We are here for you always! Lee, Patti, Bobby, Ryan and Tara

Message from Lee, Patti, Bobby, Ryan and Tara McCalebs

Julie, Natalie, Garrett and Family,
We are so heartbroken for your loss! We will remember Tom as a kind, loving and funny man.
He had a love for the arts, travel, tennis, fishing, pirates, a good libation, but most of all his family and friends. With Tom around there was always a good story, a hearty laugh, and a sense that you could bring more to the world than you ever thought possible. He was truly a kindred spirit and a reinaissance man. We feel honored to have all of you in our lives! We are here for you always! Lee, Patti, Bobby, Ryan and Tara

A candle was lit by skipp calvert at Saint Mary's 19 August 2017 on August 19, 2017 11:27 AM

Message from Sue Galvin

Tom was one of my favorite American Horticultural Society board members! I always looked forward to seeing him at River Farm. His presentations on what we might do at the gardens, along with examples of what the firm had done at other places, were always full of passion for the properties and the potential work. He was funny, unassuming, and so great to work/chat with. He'll be greatly missed. My sincerest condolences to the family.

A candle was lit by Sue Galvin on August 19, 2017 9:05 AM

Message from Rev. Carolyn Williams

Rev. Sarah my prayers are with you and the family as you say farewell to one you loved. May God's peace and presence surround you.

Message from Sande Snead

Dear Julianne, Natalie and Garrett,
Dear Julianne,

I was so shocked to hear the news of Tom’s death. A group of us played tennis with him at Indian Creek Saturday morning and he was talking about his annual family trip to Ocracoke with you and the children and their friends. My heart breaks for you and your family. What a wonderful man! He was one of the nicest people I've ever met. He was often my tennis partner and never said an unkind word to me though he had every right. You have my deepest sympathy.
-With love, Sande Snead

A candle was lit by Jamie Lam Marshall on August 18, 2017 10:59 PM

A candle was lit by anon on August 18, 2017 4:39 PM

Message from Susan Glazier

Dear Ms. Mueller, Natalie, and Garrett,
I send my love and deepest condolences to you all for your loss. Though I can't claim close friendship with Tom, we crossed paths enough for me to recognize his kindness, warmth, generosity, and humor. He was modest about his many accomplishments, always eager to discuss creative ventures, and clearly adored his family. He will be missed in our Westminster community. May your many loving friends and family provide comfort and strength in this time of sorrow.

Message from Harriet-Ann van Boven

Dear Pastor Sarah,

I was so very sorry to hear about your brother's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you and your family.

Harriet-Ann

Message from Ariadne Allan Autor

Julie, Natalie and Garrett, you are in our thoughts and hearts. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Tom's legacy will live on in so many ways, though his designs, his contributions in the community and his love for you.

With sympathy and love,
Ari and Erik

Message from Lisle Bean

Dear Margaret and Family-
I am so sorry for your loss. As an architect too, though not one of Tom's acclaim, I always felt honored when Margaret would pull me aside to tell me about Tommy. He was always doing some significant project, something inspirational, something I - and everyone- needed to hear about. And I wanted to. She was so cute when she'd grab my elbow and say, "You're an architect, you'll understand this..."
Something I understand even better is the love Tom had for his son. He made the ultimate sacrifice for him. I'd like to think I'd have the same courage and selflessness in that situation. All fathers should have. Similar to but slightly different from the Episcopal edict on taking Communion: all may, some should, none must. Fathers must.
It was shocking to see Tommy's picture! He's an older gentleman, respectable looking, slightly middle-aged, not the youthful renaissance man I imagined a Tommy to be (even after I met him). But he's definitely got the Architect look!
That's the way I'll remember him. A much-loved son, father, husband brother, who had much love to give, and who gave his all. I feel I knew him, because I knew his father. May he rest in peace, and may we all be better people because we knew him.

A candle was lit by Janet Daniels on August 17, 2017 10:05 PM

A candle was lit by Susan Klejst on August 17, 2017 10:01 PM

A candle was lit by Anon on August 17, 2017 5:39 PM

A candle was lit by Anon on August 16, 2017 3:40 PM