Ed continued to work
selling motorcycle insurance and could always be seen at his booth,
with his sidecar rig, at many motorcycle events. He was a certified instructor for
the Sidecar Safety Program. His list of accomplishments is extensive.
He was a leader, a mentor, an icon, a true legend. And all this
is being done by someone who was 83 years old.
Ed was part of the Sidecar Division
of The Chicago TFT Parade. Every year Ed could be seen at
the very front of The Parade, always the first sidecar rig, carrying some
VIP. I believe he missed only one Parade in the last twenty years.
Ed and Marilyn were riding home
from The North American 40+ Rally in New York, each driving
their own sidecar rig, when, near Cleveland, they became separated in
traffic. As Ed was attempting to turn back to find Marilyn, he was
struck by another vehicle at the left front of his bike. He was thrown
off the bike, surviving the collision, and was airlifted to a
Cleveland hospital where he seemed to be recovering. However, twelve
hours later, possibly because he was taking a blood thinner, the
following day his heart stopped and he could not be revived.
There will be two Memorial Services
for Ed on Sunday, September 14. The first will be at 1pm in the Grace
Episcopal Church at 209 North Pine Street in New Lenox, Illinois,
60451, phone 815-485-6596. This is the church that Ed and Marilyn have
attended since they moved to Manhattan. The second service will
be at 4pm at the Saint Paul's Episcopal Church at 1101 Park Drive
in Munster, Indiana, 46321, phone 219-838-3803. Ed and Marilyn
attended this church when they lived in South Holland. During this
service, Ed's ashes will be interred in the church's courtyard.
Friends may send cards and letters
to the Johnson family at 703 First Street, Manhattan, Illinois,
60442.
The Chicago Toys for Tots
Motorcycle Parade Organization would like to extend our
deepest sympathy and condolences to Marilyn, their children, and the
entire Johnson family.
Ed was a close friend to
many of us in the motorcycle community. His death is a terrible loss
and will leave a great void in many of our lives.
Attention
Motorcycle Riders:
There will be a motorcycle group riding
to the Memorial Service for Ed Johnson in New Lenox. Riders will
meet at The Belvedere Chateau located at 8055 West 103rd Street in
Palos Hills, 60465. Assemble at 11AM and leave for Grace Church in New
Lenox at Noon.
There will also be a large motorcycle
procession from Grace Church to the Burial Service for Ed Johnson at
Saint Paul's Church in Munster, following the Memorial Service.
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Archived Updates
#36
July, 2003
#35
June, 2003
#34
May, 2003
#33
April, 2003
#32
Feb., 2003
#31
Dec, 2002
#30
Dec., 2002
#29
Nov, 2002
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