GOOD BYE TO DEAR FRIEND

By Jamie Price
CLO Chief Operating Officer

Tommy Johnson, a dear friend, a colleague, and a tireless advocate for men, women, and children with developmental disabilities for the past 21 years passed away after a brief but corageous battle with cancer.

Tommy had lived an amzing life. He served as CLO director of behavioral services and led our team of behavioral analysts. He was one of the most positive teachers, leaders and advocates for people with disabilities. What is it that we remember when thinking of Tommy? I think everyone that knows him well would agree that it was his consistent message of providing the best teaching and quality of life for the men and women that we serve at CLO. I will forever ask myself as I move forward in life: "What would Tommy do in this situation?" He never found a teacher he couldn't work with, a consumer he felt we couldn't serve or a problem we couldn't overcome.

He handled each person and situation with grace and patience. Tommy's death was sudden. I remember when I heard the news I simply couldn't believe it. Tommy was too young but as it slowly occured to me I have realized that he indeed had lived his life wonderfully. Tommy was well-loved and he had done so many things in his short time on this earth. I will be forever grateful to have known Tommy. I will forever be grateful that Tommy was there at the right place and at the right time to work at CLO and save so many people. I will forever be grateful for spending 21 years of my life with a friend and colleague like him. All the memories I have shared with him will forever be cherished and remembered. Tommy will forever live in my heart...in our hearts.

Tommy mentioned to me shortly before his passing that if anyone at CLO should have an occasion to remember him he wanted them to turn their thoughts towards providing the best teaching and quality of life to the men, women, and children we serve at CLO.