Frater Don Johnson Enters Chapter Eternal

Frater Ralph "Don" Johnson of Englewood, Colorado passed into the Chapter Eternal September 1, 2016 at the age of 88. Don is survived by his wife, Arlene and son Mark, who served as Grand Prytanis from 2007-2009. 

Don was initiated into TKE as an honorary member in December 2008. He served on the TKE Educational Foundation Board of Directors from January 2009 until his passing. 

He was a prominent attorney and businessman in Denver. During his time as a TKE, he was consistently a top donor to the Fraternity. 

"I’ll never forget the evening I first met Don Johnson, Father of PGP Mark Johnson. He attended a gathering of Tekes at Mark’s home with his lovely wife – Arlene Johnson. We talked of many matters.  I found his wit and sense of humor remarkable. I decided that night, he must become a Teke! Not only did we need him to join us, because of his character and quality, but we also needed his leadership on the Foundation board and within the Grand Chapter leadership ranks. The night he was initiated, he signed a pledge to support TKE with $100,000. I asked him if he wanted to give for any special purpose.  He said, 'No, please put it wherever the need is greatest'," said Frater Gary Reed, TKE Educational Foundation President/Advancement Officer.

He was a well-educated man earning a Law Degree from the University of Denver School of Law and was a highly engaged member of TKE. Last January, Don and his wife generously hosted a Founders Day event at their home in Colorado.

"Frater Don attended several Leadership Academies in Colorado Springs and gave to the Academy even after his generous board commitment. Even though he joined TKE when he was in his early 80’s, he still shared his time, talent and treasure generously. Frater Don, we will miss you!" said Reed. 

"On behalf of the TKE Education Foundation we extend our thoughts and prayers to the family of Frater Don Johnson, most notably his wife Arlene, and son Mark, (past PGP). Frater Johnson was an esteemed member of our Board of Directors and we sincerely appreciate the many contributions of his time, talent, and treasure. While he became a Frater late in life, he embodied all the good things that we look for in TKE. He was always anxious to talk about TKE and interact with the many Fraters who crossed his path. When I last saw him at Leadership Academy he was beaming with pride as he watched our young men engage and grow with the Fraternity," said Elmer Smith, Chairman of the TKE Educational Foundation Board of Directors.

Words of comfort may be sent to tkeogc@tke.org and we will share with his wife.