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DEATHS
Dr. Robert J. Johnson, Anatomy and Surgery
Dr. Robert J. Johnson, professor emeritus of anatomy and surgery at the
School of Medicine, died on December 22, in Wynnewood, PA of a malignant
brain tumor and medical complications. He was 83 years old.
Robert Joseph Johnson was born in Toppenish, Washington, February 8,
1915, the son of a Methodist minister. Graduating from the University of
Iowa's College of Medicine in 1943, in the midst of World War II. he served
as a battalion surgeon in the 75th Infantry Division and participated in
the Battle of the Bulge. He treated wounded G.I.s as well as German civilians
in need of care. Following active duty, he continued to serve in the U.S.
Army Reserve, retiring in 1975 with the rank of colonel.
Dr. Johnson developed an intense interest in and capacity for the study
of anatomy early in medical school, and this led to his life's work as a
teacher of human anatomy. He was selected as a member of the first faculty
of the newly formed School of Medicine of the University of Washington,
Seattle, joining several outstanding colleagues who included Robert H. Williams
in medicine and Henry Harkins in surgery. Dr. Johnson then began the development
of his approach to the teaching of his subject, including the use of detailed
color plates from German and American anatomical masterworks, which resulted
in an effect remembered by students and by colleagues, then and later, who
were struck by his profound knowledge of the structure of the human body
in its magnificent detail and infinite variety. Dr. Johnson's own work was
informed by his background as a physician. Throughout his professional life
he lectured to the members of virtually all medical specialties.
In 1959, Dr. Johnson became chairman of anatomy at West Virginia University.
Subsequently he was recruited by Dr. Isadore S. Ravdin of the University
of Pennsylvania, and in 1963, became chairman of the Department of Anatomy
of the Graduate School of Medicine at Penn. His commitment was to scholarship
and to the sharing of knowledge with all of his students. Even after becoming
emeritus professor in 1985, he remained active teaching advanced anatomy
to students, house staff and residents at PennMed despite the illness he
faced.
Dr. Johnson served on the National Board of Medical Examiners, was a
member of a number of professional societies including the John Morgan Society
and the Halsted Society, and was a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic
Sciences. He made many contributions to scientific literature.
Dr. Johnson is survived by his wife, Dorothy, whom he met during medical
school in Iowa City, and by their three daughters, Lynn, Patsy, and Nora,
and by a grandson, Ethan Penn.
Burial, with full military honors, was at Arlington National Cemetery.
Mildred Eckles Hutchison
Mildred Eckles Hutchison died on December 12, in Portland, OR, at the
age of 88.
Mrs. Hutchison was employed by the University from 1953 to 1975, first
as assistant cashier then head cashier in the check-cashing service of Houston
Hall Store. The joy of her job over the years was the opportunity to meet
staff members, faculty members, and especially students. Many will remember
her warm smile, her encouraging words, and her good-natured kindness.
After her retirement, she pursued a number of volunteer activities, including
work at HUP and Presbyterian Hospital and active involvement in Woodland
Presbyterian Church, where she was a long-time member.
Survivors include a sister, Mary Sorrell, of Riverdale, MD; daughter
Lucy Vosmek (CW '63) of Portland, OR; granddaughter Alice Vosmek of New
York City; and grandson John Vosmek III of Seattle, WA.
The family welcomes donations to the University of Pennsylvania in her
memory.
Almanac, Vol. 45, No. 16, January 12, 1999
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