GLENDON E. JOHNSON
By Bill Cherry
Glendon Johnson told his granddaughter, Erin Stewart, that “cowboys answer to two people: their God and their momma.”
She said, “He lived his life with the thought in mind that someday he would have to answer to his Heavenly Father, and — perhaps more intimidating — to his mother”
He was sure that his “mother would hold him accountable for how he treated others, how he cared for his siblings and how he used the time he had in this life to bless others.”
I suppose that credo was why Johnson was so well-liked when he and his wife, Bobette, and children lived in Galveston. In fact they bought, restored and resided in the old white stucco mansion on 53rd and Seawall Boulevard.
Johnson had come to the Island to be the president and later chairman of the board of American National Insurance Co. in the 1970s. He succeeded Phil Noah.
Glendon E. Johnson died from a heart attack in Salt Lake City on October 6, 2011 at the age of 87.
Throughout his life, Johnson had been the most comfortable as a cowboy. He had ranched and broken horses since childhood.
Interestingly, how he had learned to train horses transferred into his business management skills.
He said that he had learned that you can “beat a horse into submission, or you can teach, encourage and lead him. Both horses will accomplish the exact same task. However, the beaten horse will hate you, while the horse you encouraged, taught and lead by example will love and follow you forever.”
Johnson had graduated Phi Beta Kappa from University of Utah and from Harvard Law School. In addition he was an Eagle Scout and a lifelong participating member of the Church of the Latter Day Saints.
The Boy Scouts of America had awarded Johnson the Silver Buffalo Award, which is scouting’s highest commendation. His wife of 67 years, Bobette, has asked that friends make their memorial donations to the Boy Scouts of America.
BILL CHERRY, REALTORS
Dallas-Park Cities
Since 1964
214 503-8563
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