Longtime Rotarian, Keith Johnson, passed away on January 23, 2025 at the age of 94. Born and raised in Iowa, Keith was an ever proud Cyclone, earning his BS (1952) and DVM (1955) from Iowa State. He joined the Iowa National Guard and was commissioned a Captain in the US Air Force. He and his wife, JoAnn, settled in Rapid City, SD where they raised four children.
. In 1961 Keith opened the Mountain View Veterinary Clinic which he operated until his retirement in 1996.
Keith joined the Rotary Club of Rapid City in 1957 at the age of 27. In the ensuing decades, Keith became a true icon and one of our most beloved members, faithful in service and attendance, always willing to step up and help in whatever project came along. His 68 years of membership are the longest in Club history.
I remember him painstakingly replacing individual Christmas lights one by one for the annual StoryBook Island lighting pageant and fundraiser. He was famous for his extravagant hats, costumes, uniforms and bowties which he wore to meetings on every possible occasion, from Memorial Day and July 4th to Halloween and Washington’s birthday.
Personally, his passing leaves a huge hole in my heart, as it does for many. "Joie de vivre" defined Doc, and even though he probably didn't speak a word of French, he loved to surprise one with his knowledge of Japanese! He was an honorable, genuine, gentle man who exuberantly shared his love of people and life. His sense of humor was superb, his corny jokes and limericks hilarious. His infamous rendition of "Pony Boy" would bring Club members to gales of laughter.
Thank you, Keith, for your friendship, leadership, mentorship and kindness. Thank you, Rotary, for making him part of my life.