Dr. Brian Frank Johnson

Date of Birth

July 19, 1935

Date of Death

March 18, 2019

Dr Brian Frank Johnson, age 83, died on Monday, March 18, 2019, at Cottage Hospital Santa Barbara. His loving wife and daughter were by his side. He had been living in Goleta for about 3 years. 

He was born to Percy and Ruth Ellen (Lamb) Johnson on July 19, 1935 in Atherstone Warwickshire, UK. He graduated with top honors from King Edward IV Grammar school in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England. After graduation he attended Kings College Medical School in London England. where he received his M.D. and other advanced medical degrees. Following three years in the British Air force in Malta as a Medical Officer he emigrated to the USA, eventually becoming a US. citizen. He worked at Burroughs Wellcome Research Triangle Park NC (1976 -1978) as a Clinical Pharmacologist doing clinical research., Eventually, he returned to Academia as Professor of Medicine, specializing in Hypertension and Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester (1978 to 1992). He contributed to Medical Textbooks and published 105 papers in peer reviewed Journals. Brian presented his research results to other medical researchers throughout the USA and in many parts of the world. He moved to Pfizer in Groton Connecticut as Executive Director of Clinical Research from 1992 until his retirement in 2003. 

As a young man, he was a talented athlete and once ran in a race with Roger Bannister, his idol. Due to the rigors of medical school he had to give it up. Brian had a passion for the arts, classical music, ballet, concerts and opera. Wagner was his best loved composer. His home was always filled with music. Although he loved the Impressionists and could spend long periods gazing at Renoir’s “Boating Party” he was equally intrigued by a Chagall or Rothko and his all time favorite Turner’s “Fighting Temeraire.” 

While living in Northboro, Mass ( 1976-1992) the family loved to get away to their little cottage on lake Ossippee, New Hampshire. To Brian, being out on the lake in his boat was heaven, He endlessly teased his beloved dog Goldie by pretending to throw the ball in the lake and watch her jump in with nothing to retrieve. He was in his element when cooking steaks on the grill while sipping whiskey and soda. 

Brian and his wife Joan loved to travel the world and, and were fortunate to experience many countries enjoying their culture and customs.. However returning to the UK and Ireland to see family and friends gave him great joy. London brought all the city sights and great Theater, while the Irish mountains renewed his soul. 

Brian was very civic minded and was a member of the Rotary Club in the UK and US. His favorite project was helping to build a playground for deprived children in Northboro Massachusetts. 

He always said he lived his dream and loved his life, despite ill health in recent years which he bore with supreme grace and dignity and without compliant. He was a man of considerable intellect and a true gentleman with a great sense of humor. 

He is survived by his grieving wife Joan, his daughters Amanda, Emma, sons Simon and Matthew. His adoring grandchildren Ben, Noah, Charlie, Gemma, Karah and Sean Campbell, daughters in-law Jo, and Ellie, Brother’s in-law John and Eddie, his many cousins and friends. 

Family and friends are invited to attend Memorial Services to be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 10am in McDermott-Crockett Mortuary Chapel, 2020 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara.

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