Hi Dennis,
Another year has passed. We continue to miss you, we still say your name. One day in this sweet by and by we will meet on that beautiful shore.
Love you always.

Dennis,
I truly miss you. You made your mark and for that I am truly grateful, because your mark includes me. You left before we completed the last dream but one day I shall move forward as agreed upon. Continue to SIP. We love you.

Hey Dad, i can’t believe time is moving this fast, the pain still hits me as if it was the first day without you but i have come to understand that you were ready to take your place amongst the angels. You did everything you set out to do and not everyone is lucky enough to get that opportunity. I will always be thankful for the 27 years of lessons, love, sacrifice and protection u gave me but the pain of wishing you were here to see what kind of man i am turning into will stay with me for the rest of my days cuz i know u would first be suprised but Proud.

️Rest in Paradise pops, and just like whitney is singing “i will always love you”

Still missing you Pops. I think about you often. I will never forget you. 

RIP DJ. You are missed. Legend

Happy birthday Denis. Continue to RIP

Happy Birthday Pops! Missing you still.

Continue to rest in peace great man. The society misses you.

One year later and I still think of you all of the time. I miss you every day. This world was a better place when you were in it. There is so much I have to tell you....you will always be in my heart. Love you.

DJ I want to thank you for believing in me a skinny soccer player from your 1981 CAST soccer team. You changed my life with your wisdom and positive approach to all things. I took everything you taught me on the soccer team and put them to use in the field of life.

Condolences to and prayers for the Johnson family. I am glad to have met the legendary Dennis Johnson and personally experienced his tremendous passion, humour, confidence and wisdom as he shared success stories and also multiple ideas for online courses in Sport Sciences to benefit the Caribbean. May his soul rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to Peter, all of Dennis's close and extended family, and large circle of friends, athletes, admirers, and colleagues, worldwide.
I will miss Dennis, talking with him, listening to his innumerable stories about his life, family, profession, and his many victories. Dennis was a very accomplished, confident, and bold man who never stopped making a contribution to sports, community, and being an inspiration, loyal and enduring friend to many persons, including myself.
It was my honour and distinct pleasure to have served on the Sports Advisory Council of University of Technology, Jamaica under his Chairmanship, and becoming a Director of the Dennis Johnson Foundation.
Dennis, your great legacy lives on at University of Technology, Jamaica, in Jamaica and abroad, through your family, friends, great accomplishments, contributions, and the many persons and institutions which you have empowered and inspired. May your soul rest in peace.
Claire Sutherland

The University of Technology, Jamaica will be forever grateful for your priceless contribution to the development of the Department of Sports. You were also involved in the formative days of the Caribbean School of Sport Sciences and served as a patron for our first conference. You exuded confidence and an attitude of "let's get it done" . You did what others thought impossible and blazed a path. RIP Dr. Johnson.

"Death leaves a heartache that nobody can heal and love leaves a memory that no one can steal".

Sir Dennis - you were a true visionary and a selfless person. Your legacy will continue to live on for years to come. I am so thankful to have known you from the CAST days. I will always remember your kind words and awesome sense of humour.

I offer my heartfelt condolences to Peter and the rest of the family.

May his soul rest in peace.

I'm not sure how to do this. How can I try and describe someone so special in plain old words? And, how can I possibly sum up the feelings and memories I have for Dennis Johnson in one tribute? It’s almost impossible.
I’ve received so many messages from the last few weeks and I have heard from many of his boys and a few gals and people from many places saying “there are no words” – well, there are. There are words.
There are words of happiness about the treasured times we all had with DJ, albeit too brief. There are words of HOPE to describe his individuality and how he motivated us. There are words of sorrow to try and communicate what we are feeling now that he has left us.
But maybe most of all, there are words of strength, of hope, of power and of resilience. Words that can bring us all together, to cross these choppy waters and come out the other side, better for it.
For me, DJ was a fiery spark full of love and determination. He was smart, motivating, challenging, empathetic, engaging and encouraging.
He was a great listener with time for friends from all walks of life. He was as selfless as he was determined and left his mark on so many people. He was one of the best things to happen to my life and he strengthened me every day we spent together.
DJ was from a certain mould of a man. He was like both our father, our brother and many of our friends - a strong, positive and certain man. No inch given but powerful respect and warmth in every encounter. He was the powerful type of man that we see challenging our society today and I deeply loved that about him.
I feel so lucky to have shared just over 42 years with DJ. He's made me a better person. He's left an indelible mark in my life and others and we need to honour that with strength and with love.
We first met in late September 1979 – From the first time I met him, I realized that this man was no regular coach, the philosophy that you can be anything you wanted to be, really meant something when you are with him. I found him so intriguing and at the same time, I am at ease with him. He made me feel and certainly the other guys on the track team that you can conquer the world. That transcended to how people would see me and the other guys on the track team. People felt that we were “boastsie” not that we were acting that way, but because of the confidence that came about under DJ guidance.
If DJ loves you, he loved you and if he didn’t, he didn’t. There was no middle ground as far as that was concerned. That’s just the way he was!
I and the guys shared a lot of memories and one of my regrets was that his son Peter did not get as much as some of us did, since he was only born 26 years ago.
I’m so scared of losing all those memories. I worry that as time passes my mind will shed those precious gifts. But I know that even if it does, He’s in a part of me that nobody can ever touch. There’s a compartment in my heart that will hold his ‘til the day I die.
DJ was a person who valued the relationship with the guys “and the gals as well” over anything else. He was most comfortable in that group where you could talk about important things not only track & field, but of late he would talk about “Donald Trump”. He forged such tight bonds with many of you and I'd like to thank you all for being there for him throughout thick and thin. He valued you all so much. He always wanted to spend more time with you all, especially his boys and his dominoes partners.
Above everyone else came his son Peter and his daughter Joan of which he loved so deeply, unconditionally and without question. The Boys & Gals, Utech & Calabar family comes next.
I've lost a lot in losing DJ:
He is the father who I met before my real father. I say this because I only met and spoke to my real father when I was 19 (since he left Jamaica before I was born). 
This is the man who came to find me at home in Portmore the day after I was hurt at Intercollegiate champs, not knowing where in Portmore I was living and he did find me.
The man who taught me how to treat a woman, how to court them etc.
The man who taught me about the sense of purpose.
The man who taught me about humility.
The man who taught me to be fearless.
The man who taught me how to be a true sprinter, and a lot more. 
Walk good my father, until we meet again to play a few more hands of dominoes. 
Miss You! High Knees!

Leroy Cooke - friend, confidant and one of the sons

DJ was a visionaire that contributed tremendously to track and fields' growth at CAST/UTech and by extension Jamaica. Thank you Sir Johnson. RIP.

There is overwhelming support for the point of view that Dennis Osric Johnson (DJ) ran a strong race and finished it with distinction. The superlative ethos which earmarked his earthly journey is worthy of the obeisance of his alma mater.

As we contemplate the life, work and worth of this recently departed Olympian and sporting legend, the Calabar Old Boys’ Association (COBA) are acutely aware of its indebtedness to him for the unadulterated honour which he has brought to the venerable institution of Calabar High School.

After graduating from Calabar, he attended Bakersfield College and then San Jose State College in the USA, where under Bud Winter’s tutelage, Dennis won several regional and international medals and equalled the world record, 9.3 seconds, for the 100 yards dash.

DJ was a visionary, and some say that ‘he was ahead of his time’. He used his research and affinity for the sciences to master the art of coaching, studying what it takes for the human mind and body to be transformed into athleticism. He fine-tuned several areas of athletics, including techniques in sprint starting and baton changing, towards achieving maximizing efficiency. Most importantly, DJ taught many youngsters and unbelievers to achieve heights that they thought were not possible.

Fuelled by his college experience and administrative expertise, he introduced the collegiate athletics programme in Jamaica, cradled at the College of Arts Science and Technology (CAST). It is largely believed that his foray into coaching and sports administrator has contributed significantly to the athletic powerhouse status that Jamaica is currently enjoying. As head coach at CAST, he formed the celebrated Bolts of Lightning in the 1980s and, in a sense, mentored Stephen Francis through the vehicle of the MVP, which fostered and developed world-class athletes.

Dennis had an illustrious career at CAST and at the University of Technology as Director of Sports, adjunct associate professor of sports science. In the latter capacity, he commenced in 2010 a Sports Science programme, chairman of the Sports Advisory Council, and headed special projects for intercollegiate sports.

So today and oh if ever

Duty’s voice is ringing clear

Bidding men to brave endeavour

We will answer, “We are here”

Dennis answered, “Here Sir” on many occasions and in 2016, COBA honoured him at our Annual Reunion Dinner. So gracious, humbled, and thankful that he was, to be among many of his lifelong friends and to be recognized by his beloved alma mater, Dennis handed us all his medals and tokens that reflected his successes in athletics, for placement in the Calabar Museum. The Calabar family is eternally grateful to a man who gave his all, not only to Calabar but to sports and Jamaica.

On Friday, April 23, the lights dimmed, and the curtains came down on the life of this esteemed alumnus. A grateful school community is left to reflect on the immense contribution of this towering colossus to the sporting landscape. His life spoke persuasively to the fact that he gave his utmost to the vocation of developing aspiring athletes. His work and worth will be eternally burnished on the athletic fabric of the nation.

O God of grace and glory, we give you thanks for the more than eight decades that you lent your son Dennis Osric to us. Now that you have seen it fit to promote him to higher service, grant him eternal rest and peace at last.

Dr. Dennis Johnson – Educator

By Bernie Panton

When Dennis Johnson left the shores of Jamaica in 1959 on a track
scholarship to Bakersfield J. C. in California, he was the fastest
schoolboy ever seen on local tracks. It was generally predicted that the
Calabar speedster would become a world record holder but even his
most loyal fans were surprised at how quickly that goal was realized.
He achieved the feat before his 22 nd birthday – not once but three times
in a frantic seven-week spell in the spring of 1961. A fourth 9.3
clocking over the 100 yards was not ratified due to a faulty wind gauge;
but such consistently fast sprinting had not been seen in recent memory.
Further predictions about his future career would never have included a
headline like the caption above. We are referring, of course, to his later
contributions as coach, mentor, motivator, lecturer and institutional
builder – in short, as an Educator.

Johnson’s aspirations to become the world’s top sprinter was cut short
by injury in May of that banner year, when he was ranked number two at
the end of his truncated season. It was particularly disappointing to
renowned sprint coach, Bud Winter, who was then guiding Dennis after
his transfer to San Jose State. The coach had used Johnson’s relaxed
style as the model for his texts on sprinting, with “high knees and feet
just kissing the ground” as Winter described it.

Although hampered by injuries, Dennis was able to continue competing
until the Olympic Games in Tokyo (1964), where he anchored our sprint
relay team to fourth place in the final and serving notice that Jamaica
was also poised to become a force in the shorter relay.

It took one hundred years after GC Foster and Norman Manley had first
hinted at the Jamaican propensity for speed before our country’s
sprinters confirmed their position at the pinnacle of world sprinting by
leaving Berlin in 2009 with all male sprint titles and WR’s, along with
the women’s gold and silver medals in the 100m and sprint relay title.
DJ’s world records came roughly at the mid-point of that century – and
it is the view of many that his contribution to the development of the
sport in the second half of the century is as significant as Wint’s and
McKenley’s in the first.

This has been most significantly manifested in Dennis’ work at the
University of Technology. When he joined the College of Arts, Science
and Technology (CAST, later UTECH) from the Carreras Sports
Foundation over forty years ago, there was no organized sports
programme at the institution.

Today, UTECH boasts a Faculty of Sports Science and its campus has
become ‘the home of world champions’. Jamaica’s rise to the top of
world sprinting can be traced directly to the prototype established by
Dennis at CAST/UTECH. The local conditioning of athletes for
international competition has been a key ingredient in our recent
successes. Johnson’s influence on Jamaica’s cadre of world class
coaches has also played a major part in this development.
His pioneering work in Physical Education, Intercollegiate Sports and
Sports Medicine has not gone unnoticed; and he has been willing to
share his vast knowledge with overseas beneficiaries. He has held
sprinting clinics in Europe, Asia and the Americas; and made important
contributions to Jamaica’s participation in the World University Games.
Dennis was also the first Director of the IAAF’s High Performance
Centre, which was established at UTECH in the early years of the new
millennium.

As a former long serving member on the JAAA’s executive, he made
important technical contributions in influencing the direction that the
sport has taken. He has been Technical Leader and Coach on many of
Jamaica’s national teams and must have been particularly pleased when
two of his CAST sprinters (Anthony Davis and Michael Davis) joined
him on the Moscow Olympic Games team in 1980. We recall with
pleasure the symmetrical efficiency of his “Bolts of Lightning” relay
teams.

Dennis’ personal story of obstacles, triumph and nation building was
published by the University of Technology in February 2012 entitled
“Road to Olympic Glory - From Dennis Johnson's Diaries”. Dennis was
also awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Technology by the institution
for his immense contribution to the University’s sports development.

The edifice that Dennis and our other dedicated coaches have erected is
now under siege, as continuing drug testing failures will tend to erode
the credibility of our programme. So far, no fingers have been pointed
in the coaches’ direction and their reputations remain intact. The cases
are still perceived as random indiscretions, rather than being
representative of a systemic flouting of the regulations.

Our athletes journey to the top of world sprinting was accomplished
within an ethical framework and with the highest principles of integrity
and fair play, which are applicable to the country’s sporting
achievements in general. Dr. Dennis Johnson, Educator is just one of the
very important architects who played pivotal roles in this development.
“High knees, indeed your highness, but also high ideals!”
June 2016

Dennis’ dream of forming a track team at CAST began with me, the first person to sign up. Thankfully, it did not end there because within days Trevor Moulton and Walter Stretch Robinson signed up. Those early days were fun but hard work because we had to build a track, and a discus circle, so there was digging, flattening, rolling and pounding. Daily Dennis would hold court and the believers and non-believers would gather and he would regale us with stories of his exploits.
Over the years Dennis cemented his place in the history of CAST/Utech with his contribution to the Sports Department, the Physiotherapy Program the design and construction of the Sangster Auditorium, but more importantly to the hundreds of students to whom he devoted his life to ensure they got a tertiary education. He arranged for food, CAST admission, foreign scholarships, summer jobs, healthcare, bail money and the list go on. His personal accomplishments in track and field were many and placed him in the annals of Jamaican history.
Dennis, you ran a good race, you have crossed the finish line, go take your rest. You have given me my orders so until we meet again,
Love you forever.

UTech Tribute to Dr Dennis "DJ" Johnson OD.

http://www.utech.edu.jm/news/tribute-to-dennis-johnson-former-director-of-sport-university-of-technology-jamaica

Tribute from: Bishop C. B. Peter Morgan
Ambassador of the Kingdom of God called Nationally to the People of Jamaica.

TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY DENNIS JOHNSON
I wish to pay special tribute to Dennis Johnson who passed recently on Friday morning (23rd April 2021).
DJ, as we affectionately called him, was actually a close friend of mine as we grew up in the same neighbourhood in Kingston 11. I do recall how some of us as youngsters would run up and down the street. Of course, he used to ‘whip’ us all.
The legendary Jamaican sprinter is reputedly the only athlete in history to have equalled the world record in the 100 yards three times in six weeks in 1961. In that year he was acclaimed as the number one sprinter in the world. We all know of his drive and passion for sports after his running days which led him to embark upon the training of our own athletes based on his conviction that Jamaica had the capacity to create its own home-grown Olympic champions. His initiative at the College of Arts Science and Technology (C.A.S.T) in the early ’70s led to the now established MVP Track Club of coach Steven Francis producing the likes of Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter, Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Melaine Walker, Michael Frater, Shelly-Ann Frater-Pryce and Elaine Thompson.
What is very little spoken of but which inspires my personal tribute today, is his achievement at Schoolboy Championships. At Calabar High School in 1957 under the coaching of the famous Herb McKinley, he emerged as a star sprinter in the 100, 220 and 440 yards events. Unfortunately, he broke his arm just before Camps in 1957, but still went and ran with his arm tied to his body and came 4th in the 100yards and 3rd in the 220yards. The climax of his schoolboy achievements, however, came in 1958 when he broke the longstanding 100yards record setting a new mark of 9.80sec. He caught the eyes of many other athletes not the least of whom was my brother Colin, who became the class 2 champion in 1959 when JC won the Championship. As for me, I patterned his starting style and to my knowledge remain the only other schoolboy athlete to have broken the 10.00 seconds mark in that event at Champs. Of course, the Meet has since changed to the metric measurements so our achievements are no longer in the public’s eye.
All of Jamaica will miss DJ with his pleasant, affable personality, but even more so his positive and disciplined approach to the sport. It did not begin on the global scene. He was an admired friend of many as a youth and an inspiring athlete as a Schoolboy. May his legacy continue as we produce more Dennis
Johnsons in our Schools and in our professional clubs leading the world as the Sprint Factory of Athletics.

Bishop CB Peter Morgan
26th April 2021

From Percival Noel James "PJ" Patterson, ON, PC, QC, (Jamaica 6th Prime Minister)

It is not generally known how Dennis Johnson came to choose Calabar High School.
One of my closest friend and classmate, Eric "Chirpy" Owen's, lived on Waltham Park Road with his mother whose yard had a lot of mango trees.
We would contrive to visit him frequently on weekends. There was youngster Dennis who was intruding and boasting that he could run faster than any of us. He backed this by beating all comers every time We told him we had 3 boys, GREENLAND, PHILLIPS AND KEANE who could run faster than him
"Bring them come", he said
No, you will have to come, was our retort.
That was the challenge that induced him to become a Lion of Lions.

The life and definitive contribution of Dennis Johnson laid the foundation and pillars which will ensure that. JAMAICA will always command admiration and respect in the global arena.

Dennis Johnson has earned his unique place in the annals of history
His memorable performances at Champs, year after year as well as his record-breaking of the 100-metres time after time ensure that his legendary accomplishments can never be forgotten

“DJ “coach Johnson knew no boundaries when it came to track and field. Jamaica became ny second home when he welcomed me with open arms at UTECH. His passion was sharing his wealth of knowledge and improving the lives of all he touched. I am forever grateful to be a part of his legacy . “Kitty”

Uncle Dennis invited Bud Wynter to Jamaica in 1966

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oly-athl-jam-sprinters-day16-idUSBRE87B0K320120812

Denis Johnson was a Great One, a man who had the Vision to see what others could not see. He had a unique way of doing things. He was a facilitator of Sports in general and Track and Field His First Love. He was a real  Trailblazer, we spent hours Conversing about Sports But Track and field in great detail at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Thank you for your wonderful insight and vision.
Thank you for your input, you will Be missed.
The Utmost For The Highest 

Dr. Dennis Johnson, Jamaica will always be indebted to you, not only because of your Herculean exploits on the track, but because you created the avenue for a very productive senior program locally. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with senior athletes. Thank you for your mentorship. Forever loved.

A good heart has stopped beating, but a heart that has touched so many lives can’t help but live on in those it loved. Dj a purpose driven individual, you left indelible foot prints on the track and field map of Jamaica.
Rest in peace DJ.

Honored to have met this man.....from him I learnt a lot and he assisted a number of STETHS athletes in finding their way. DJ, you made a difference in the lives of many. Thanks.

Dennis Johnson aka DJ coach extraordinaire..It was a great pleasure meeting you while at C.A.S.T. the love and passion you had for track and field opened doors for many.Your unselfish human quality is rare..The way you imparted your coaching skills were unique..I can hear you say " relax and win the Bud Winter way".You have left a rich legacy both on and off the track..Gone but will never be forgotten..R.I.P.

I thank God for the day He allowed me to crossed path with Dr Dennis Johnson “DJ”. DJ has afforded me opportunities that I never dreamt of accessing on my own. I was able to tap into potential I never knew I had. Being one of the hundreds of individuals who, Because of DJ’s kindness, selflessness and non partiality- I had the opportunity to gain a college education and travel to and now lives in the USA. The best thing is, he never request payment for anything he did for me.

I still hear his voice teasing me and smiling , saying, “you only have one meal per day, “1 continuous meal””. This he said, because almost every time he comes around track house he sees me eating. Of course that wasn’t the case, he just happened to come around just as I decided to have a snack. 

DJ was truly God sent. May his soul Rest In Peace. Thank you God for this kind soul.

Coach Dennis Johnson gave of himself and then some! When I thought my track career was over he gave me a second chance which changed my life and I am just one of so many.  You have planted so many seeds of Generosity and so Well done. May your soul rest in peace.

Dennis, DJ, Mr. Johnson, or Pops as I called him. I am so grateful to have met him just over a year ago. I will never forget our daily visits and how close we became. He would always say things like; if you make me some coffee, get me some phone credit, make me pancakes…. I will love you forever…he would say this each time...and I would say, but you have already promised to love me forever!

We talked about everything under the sun from politics, travel, literature, movies, history, relationships, his past life as a runner, his various jobs, his wives, lovers, son, and friends. All of whom he loved so deeply. And in turn, I shared my life story with him and he was never judgmental. He was a very loyal, intelligent man with integrity, he had a big heart and helped many people including me. I am so filled with thankfulness for all that he has done for me. Every day he greeted me with shinning eyes and beautiful smile and would say “I was just thinking of you!”, as if he willed me into his presence.

I can’t believe I will never see you again, but I know for sure I will never, ever forget you. I have never met a more loyal friend. I love you and miss you already Pops.

Dr of Track and Field Dennis Johnson
The Man from Calabar with the high knee lift
Dominated at Boys Champs for his school even winning for the Red Hills Road school with a broken arm at Champs
Dennis did great things for the sport He loved and He did so without fanfare he went about his duties like a skilled Doctor would making sprinters understand the right way to sprint
He will be greatly missed his words stayed with you because what he said made sense and he would prove it all to you once you were willing to listen
He made me understand track and field like no one else could
I will always be thankful to have been privileged to benefit from the knowledge of this Geeat Gentleman
Dennis Johnson gone but will never be forgotten as He left his Mark in a big way
Thanks Dr Johnson

My condolences to Coach Johnson’s family and friends. I first met and was coached by DJ at Calabar High school. So we were all star struck to know our coach had been to the Olympics and was once a world record holder, and to top it off he had the attitude. All the young sprinters wanted to be Dennis. Unfortunately, I did not have sprinter’s speed. I became a long-distance- runner. In 1970 I went to CAST and our path crossed again. This time Coach Johnson worked on my form and taught be how to run efficiently and that drastically improved my time. I was apart his first championship team at CAST. In 1972 I received a track scholarship that took me to Arkansas. January 8, 1973 DJ took me to the airport. His parting works were to remind me that my main goal was to get an education.
I am grateful for his dedication to the athletes under is care. So many of us have benefited from being around this great man. We owe a debt of gratitude to him. Coach Rest in peace

JAMAICA has lost a visionary and thoughtful athletics administrator, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Dennis Johnson aka "DJ" has lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. I returned to Jamaica briefly in 1998 because of this man it was my first job as Plant Manager at UTECH. DJ leaves behind a legacy that only he could have built and watched blossomed, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of CAST - UTECH and Jamaica's now recognised local track and field KINGPIN.

To a friend and mentor. You gave me a chance to coach briefly with Utech. I think I travelled as an assistant coach to Puerto Rico for my first senior trip. You were always kind to me, brash but philosophical with me. Your stories were legendary. You gave many young people a chance to shine. DJ you will be missed. Legend

I met DJ through the Carreras Sports Foundation and the JAAA ... he was always easy going and such a gentle gentleman. I recall how DJ would hold up his hands - palms facing front - if he was losing an argument and laughingly say "ok, ok I accept defeat"!!
You were a wonderful friend and it was a joy to watch you and Peter - the affection between you both was palpable. I know he will miss you greatly .. but you left him wonderful loving memories - so for him his Dad will never die.
Walk good DJ you played a fine inning... Your legacy will always be a vital and valuable part of Jamaican sporting history. You will always live in our hearts.
RIP DJ

RIP DJ, you have contributed to Humanity with distinction, grace, passion and reverence, in no ordinary way. You will be painfully missed. You are undoubtedly a major contributor in my life experiences, accomplishments and in what I have become in my life today.
I will always remember how flashy you were with charisma, confidence, prominence, and how you loved life.
I will always remember when I first came to CAST you your learned that I was stay in a boarding house. You sent me a message, saying you refuse to accept this and you made arrangements for me to stay with the track team on campus, THANKS!
I will always love you.

Dennis and I came to know each other when I landed my first job in 1978 at the then CAST (now UTech) after leaving high school and doing a year of national youth service. I was the Students' Records Officer and he was the College's Sports Director, and our offices were next to each other. We became fast friends as he had a very welcoming and accepting attitude towards young people, unlike many of his other colleagues who I found did not take
kindly to young people - which I found strange since we all worked in an environment where the clientele was primarily young people!!! And little wonder Dennis was the way he was because his business was the business of young people - sports! We remained friends to the end. He was a great motivator and mentor to me, ever telling me whenever I doubted myself or my ability to take on anything challenging that I was one of the brightest persons he knew, if I could but recognize that myself. Dennis loved food and loved to cook, and I was privileged to be numbered among those for whom he prepared many a meal. He never tired of regaling me with stories of his track career and of his travels all over the world as an athlete. His memories were vivid, as if the events happened only recently. He and I shared many happy times during our friendship, and sadly we also shared one rather unfortunate and frightening experience of being held up by gunmen one Sunday evening many years ago at his then Norbrook Road residence. We survived that, and our bond of friendship strengthened after that incident.
I surely will miss you, Dennis. You've run your leg of the relay this side of life, and the baton has been passed.
Walk good my friend...an' tell dem other ones howdy...

The Stature of Dennis Johnson


He was a celebrated architect of Jamaica's track and field edifice and the quintessential expression of humility in the face of prodigious Olympic and other accomplishments.

He was a world record holder, the character of which transcended the yardage of one hundred (100) which he traversed on the track. He was the coach's coach who understood the aspirations of his students and embraced the responsibility he had to create excellence.

Dennis Osric Johnson will be remembered as a faithful custodian of the values of sport and a father who nurtured many youth to imprint their spikes with timeless merit on this planet we call Earth.

The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) reflects with ineffable pride on the stature of an Olympian and with reverence on the soul of a man who we knew well and respected.

Christopher L. Samuda
President
Jamaica Olympic Association

Rest in eternal peace Dennis. You have touched so many lives in positive ways. Sleep on and take your rest! You will be greatly missed.