From Seattle Symphony President and CEO Simon Woods
March 3, 2015
I am so sorry to share the news that our dear friend Ron Johnson passed away this morning after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Ron has been a part of the SSO family since he joined our percussion section in the late sixties. Ron was a soloist many times with the SSO and his recording of the Hovhaness “Japanese Woodprints” is a lasting example of his artistry on the marimba. Although his first love was music, Ron was also an avid collector of Japanese art and antiquities and WWI armaments and memorabilia. He was a champion motorcycle and auto racer. He built his own race cars and participated in the sport until last summer. His friendship, humor, and enthusiasm touched us all, and we are blessed to have known him. He will be greatly missed.
Please keep his wife Bonnie in your thoughts during this difficult time. At this time, the family is not planning a service, but you are welcome to send condolences care of the Symphony at P.O. Box 21906, Seattle, WA 98111.