dennis johnson death dennis johnson death

August 8, 1948 - February 23, 2023. "Appalling DEATH toll [40,000] was entirely avoidable - it's a scandal of monumental proportions." 01 Mar 2023 21:16:25 Among others, contemporary Celtics colleague Danny Ainge called him one of "the most underrated players of all time [] and one of the greatest Celtics acquisitions,"[25] and one-time rival Bill Laimbeer called him "a great player on a great ballclub. Son of Arnold and Gladys Johnson, Denny was born on April 7, 1942 in Grafton, ND. [8] In his rookie year, the 197677 NBA season, Johnson, playing backup to the experienced Sonics backcourt tandem of Slick Watts and Fred Brown, averaged 9.2points and 1.5assists per game. Coach Wilkens grew tired of Johnson, who often clashed with him and was perceived as a growing liability to the team. Unfortunately he stopped because of the constant ad hominems and how anonymity was abused to distort by a few. ", A statement from NBA commissioner David Stern cited Johnson's "professionalism," "extraordinary character," and "tremendous passion for the game." American writer and playwright Denis Johnson, who drew on his struggles with drugs and alcohol to produce award-winning poetry and short-story collections, has died at his home in California.. [34] This was officially confirmed two days later when the Hall released the list of 2010 inductees. Barbados Today firmly discourages any commentary or statements that are libelous, disruptive in nature or incites others to violate our Terms of Use. View Dennis Johnson's obituary, send flowers and find service dates or sign the guestbook. [10], Finishing strongly, the Sonics ended the regular season with a 4735 record and made the 1978 NBA Playoffs. Thats it. Washburn-McReavy.com Strobeck Johnson 952-938-9020 Dudgeon, Clifford Joseph "Cliff" 90, of Hopkins, MN passed away on February 21, 2023. In fact Johnson hasn't had much of anything to do with music since around 1962, when he finished studying it at UCLA. RT @Britain_People: Matt Hancock & Boris Johnson should be CHARGED Matt Hancock REJECTED CMO Officer, Chris Whitty's advice to test all residents going into English care homes for Covid. He was born October 27, 1950, in Grand Rapids, MI,. was the point guard who led the big three of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish to two NBA Championships in the 1980s. Obituary. Life beset them with problems and they responded by taking to drugs or crime, or going on the road, each effort to cope creating new dilemmas. The stories ring of Kerouac and the author, poet and screenwriter Barry Gifford, and though another critic compared them to William Burroughs Naked Lunch, they have the pulpier, darker tone of Burroughs earlier novel Junkie. Dennis A. Johnson, 64, of Port Byron, died Thursday, January 16, 2020, at Genesis Medical Center in Silvis. [8] Contemporary Boston Celtics Hall of Fame forward Larry Bird gave Johnson ultimate praise, calling him the best teammate he ever had in his autobiography Drive,[1] which is especially significant considering Bird's teammates included Hall of Famers Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Bill Walton, and Tiny Archibald. Born in Baltimore, Dennis grew up in Illinois and graduated from the University of Northern Illinois where he met his wife, Paula. Johnson, a five-time All-Star and one of the top defensive guards, was part of the last Boston dynasty. [21] The following 198990 NBA season was Johnson's last. "He just collapsed.". When he was 8 years old. His mother, Vera (nee Childress), was a home-maker as the family moved to postings in Tokyo, Manila and Washington DC. [8] The Lakers, however, took their revenge this time, winning the series in six games, powered by venerable 38-year-old Finals MVP Abdul-Jabbar. [32] Johnson is also acknowledged by the NBA as a "money player"[1] who was clutch in decisive moments, such as scoring 32points for his team in a Game 4 overtime victory in the 1979 NBA Finals, playing smothering defense on Magic Johnson in the 1984 NBA Finals, and converting a last-second layup in Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals after a Larry Bird steal. Dennis Johnson, like Bird, is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame after being inducted posthumously on Friday night. Underneath to DJ who lays it in! Abrahams said Johnsons wide-ranging interest and knowledge on an array of topics made him a capable and well-loved call-in programme host with his role as moderator on Brasstacks, his most well-known media role that endeared him to listeners in Barbados. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Kathryn . A family's world has been torn apart following the tragic death of a much-loved dad, grandad and well-known former Grimsby businessman in Thailand. [1], On December 13, 1991, the Celtics franchise retired his number 3 jersey. Cloud John Kidd Age 69 Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in St. An. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. You always enjoyed it. And then he saw that another one wasnt going to come. Acting Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw has paid tribute to broadcaster Dennis Johnson who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 64. ", Bill Laimbeer, the center on that Pistons team, remembered Johnson as a "great player on a great ballclub. When life is difficult, Samaritans are here day or night, 365 days a year. He received a number of awards, including Guggenheim and Lannan fellowships. Johnson, coach of the Austin Toros, was unconscious and in cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived at Austin Convention Center, said Warren Hassinger, spokesman for Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services. Jones said. [3] The Sonics, however, lost in the Western Conference Finals to the Lakers, who had Hall of Famers Jamaal Wilkes, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. As a 19-year-old undergraduate at the University of Iowa, he published his first book of poems, The Man Among the Seals (1969), with a prestigious small press. Sign up and stay up to date with Barbados' FREE latest news. Dennis Johnson, the star NBA guard who was part of three championships and teamed with Larry Bird on one of the great postseason plays, died Thursday, collapsing after his developmental team's practice. JOHNSON: Ellen Ingeborg Johnson age 92 years of Victoria, B.C., (formerly from Minnedosa, and then Brandon, Manitoba) passed away. [1] Johnson revelled in this new role, improving his averages to 12.7points and 2.8assists per game. Drafted 29th overall in 1976 by the Seattle SuperSonics, Johnson began his professional career as a shooting guard. It worked. The Suns were successful in Johnsons first two seasons, reaching the Western Conference Semifinals. He said when he gave Johnson the new contract after explaining to him in great agony why he had to do it, Johnson assured him that it was okay and took the appointment although it meant a cut in salary, and never once complained. He served as an assistant coach for the L.A. Clippers in 2000 and served as the interim head coach for 24 games toward the end of the 2002-03 season. Preceding him in death Following the announcement of his death, colleagues, friends, politicians, and members of the public reflected on aspects of his journey as a broadcaster and shared memories of their interaction. The Celtics acquired Johnson on June 27, 1983 from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Rick Robey. Index record for Dennis R Johnson in the Social Security Death Index from Social Security Administration, historical military records. When Johnson retired in 1990 he was the 11th player in NBA history to record more than 15,000 points and 5,000 assists. The 72-year-old medieval trader from Norfolk's episode of the show had aired just days before news of his death was announced. In the deciding Game 7, which the Celtics won, Johnson had a spectacular play with 1:30 left in the game: a Celtics ball threatened to fly out of bounds, but Johnson dived for it and whipped it backward in mid-air against Bucks center and former Sonics teammate Jack Sikma. Johnson made one all-NBA first team and one second team. Add a free photo. He was 52. Death date: 24 October, 2000, Tuesday This memorial website was created in memory of Delpha I Johnson, 81, born on September 12, 1919 and passed away on October 24, 2000. [36], Dennis Johnson was married to Donna, his wife of 31 years, and had three children named Dwayne, Denise, and Daniel. Stern said Johnson's loss would be "felt throughout the basketball community." Cloud for John Kidd, age 69 of. Ms. Johnson is survived by her daughter, Susan Hallman (Shawn); son, Dennis Johnson II (Tammy); brothers, Harry Martin, and Russell Martin; grandchildren, Alexis Johnson, Lleyton Hallman, Nick . [20][24], The next three seasons were disappointing for the aging Celtics. View Cell Phone Number View Background Report. [1], After retiring as a player, Johnson worked as a scout for the Celtics. In addition to his two titles with Boston, Johnson won the 1979 NBA championship with Seattle, being named the most valuable player of the Finals. [1] NBA teams were wary of drafting a player with character issues,[2] and Johnson was known to be a troublemaker. Lunch will be served at the cemetery following the burial, and everyone is encouraged to bring a chair. The Seattle SuperSonics took Johnson in the second round of the 1976 draft with the 29th pick and gave him a four-year contract; he earned a salary of $45,000 in the first year and $90,000 in the last. Toros spokeswoman Perri Travillion said she was speaking with Johnson on the sidewalk outside the Convention Center when he collapsed. [44] Johnson reportedly went to counseling to repair his marriage. At the end of his junior college career, two universities offered Johnson scholarships: Azusa Pacific University and Pepperdine University. The public is advised of the following changes to the operations at the District ACriminal Courts Numbers 1 and By Marlon Madden While expressing confidence in Barbados ability to overcome challenges relating to climate change, By Sheria Brathwaite The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) is partnering with the University of the West Indies (UWI) to By Anesta Henry The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has launched a monthly Employee Recognition Programme to honour staff for Police are seeking the publics assistance to locate a missing 15-year-old girl. [21], The Celtics were unable to repeat their title in 1987 despite several dramatic playoff victories. Save. [20], In the 198485 season, Johnson continued playing smothering defense, earning his next All-Defensive Second Team call-up while averaging 16.9points and 7.3assists per game. LOS ANGELES -- Dennis Johnson, a five-time NBA All-Star and integral part of the Celtics' 1984 and 1986 championship teams, died yesterday, collapsing after coaching Boston's NBA Development League affiliate, the Austin Toros, in practice in Austin, Texas. Johnson was born Sept. 18, 1954, in Compton, Calif., and played at Pepperdine University before being drafted in the second round by Seattle in 1976. After seeing Arliss Howard and Holly Hunter perform a reading of a part of his 1991 novel Resuscitation of a Hanged Man, Johnson also began writing for theatre, with Hellhound on My Trail (2000) and Shoppers. Because of the abundance of talent on the Sonics team, Johnson later called this loss one of the worst disappointments of his professional career. Boston won the series in seven games but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA finals. The family will accept flowers or donations may be made to Salem Lutheran Church General Fund, 4005 NC-16, Taylorsville, NC 28681. "He was one of the most underrated players in the history of the game, in my opinion, and one of the greatest Celtic acquisitions of all time," said Danny Ainge, who played alongside Johnson in the Celtics' backcourt for six seasons. [5] At his retirement, Johnson was only the 11th NBA player to amass more than 15,000points and 5,000assists. Dennis Wayne Johnson (September 18, 1954 - February 22, 2007), nicknamed "DJ", was an American professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics.He was a coach of the Los Angeles Clippers and an alumnus of Dominguez High School, Los Angeles Harbor College and Pepperdine University. display: none; He played in two All-Star Games, was voted into three consecutive All-Defensive First Teams and earned his only All-NBA First Team appearance. Any submissions made on our comment section, are solely the views of the individual and not Barbados Today. A popular announcer on Starcom Network stations, he rose to the level of programme manager at Starcom Network before a brief stint in television at the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). [25] After being rushed to a nearby hospital, he could not be revived and was later pronounced dead. Surrounded by his family, Denny died at home in Coon Rapids at age 78 on Feb. 25, 2021. "Dennis was a great player, one of the best teammates I ever had, and a wonderful person," said Bird, now president of the Indiana Pacers. He would cause some friction if he felt strongly about something, but with our team that was a good thing.". These words of an unknown author seem most . Johnson's family, Danny Ainge, Carr, and members of the YMCA and local community were present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Johnson was born in Munich, where his father, Alfred, worked for the US Information Agency, liaising with the CIA. A cemetery posted a personal ad for a goose whose mate died. I'm just numb. Minister of Information and Public Affairs Wilfred Abrahams said it was evident that Johnson was passionate about his work and indicated that his contribution to broadcasting in Barbados is unquestionable. Four months after the death of team patriarch Red Auerbach, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Danny Ainge reunited in grief Friday to say goodbye to former Boston Celtics teammate Dennis Johnson. The center was made possible by the donations and effort of Larry Bird and M.L. 1. Johnson's nephews are Nick, who appeared in 37 games with the 201415 Houston Rockets after being drafted by them in the 2nd Round of the 2014 NBA draft, and Chris, who appeared briefly in four games with the 201314 Arizona Wildcats college basketball team. In 1967, Dennis met and married the love of his life, Anne Shaver, while working at The Jones Store Co. in downtown Kansas City. He joined the team in River Road on November 1, 1994 as a freelance moderator, but a short time later, was appointed announcer/moderator. Dennis JOHNSON. Dennis Johnson died after coaching a practice with the Toros suffering from cardiac arrest on Feb. 22, 2007. Required fields are marked *. Info Memorials Comments Browse. Prescott Valley, AZ View Birth Records John Dennis Johnson . The honor came 31/2 years after Johnson died of a heart . [22] In Game 5 Johnson was involved in a crucial play: down 107-106, Larry Bird stole the in-bounds pass by Pistons point guard Isiah Thomas with 5 seconds left and passed it to a sprinting Johnson, who converted a difficult layup with 1 second left in the game. "He was truly one of the good guys to play in the NBA, and he was a great teammate who was fun to be around," McHale said. Instead of a high-scoring shooting guard, he became a playmaking point guard. When Johnson joined the Celtics, his role changed. All Globe stories since 2003 are now FREE, Material from the Associated Press was used in this report; Shira Springer can be reached at, Dennis Johnson, ex-Celtic star, dead at age 52, DJ lays it in against the Pistons in playoffs. "He wouldn't let things pass. On April 6, 1968, Wilson was driving through Malibu when he noticed two female hitchhikers, Patricia Krenwinkel and Ella Jo Bailey. Johnson had a reputaion for delivering in big games. Video: Dennis Johnson - Career Retrospective, Statement from Danny Ainge | Remembering Dennis Johnson: Photo Gallery | Dennis Johnson's NBA.com Bio | Basketball World Reacts to DJ's Passing, Archives: Dennis Johnson Q&A with Celtics.com. Johnson served as interim head coach after the departure of Alvin Gentry for 24 games near the end of the 200203 season . He liked politics. [1] Johnson chose the latter, and in his only year there, he averaged 15.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game,[3] and developed a reputation for tough defense. Dennis Johnson was tragically found dead in Thailand on Monday March 28 - his family are now attempting to raise 10,000 to bring him home. Dennis was just an awesome player. Six times he made the all-defensive first team, including five consecutive seasons (1979-83). He's left us way too soon.". Abrahams said Johnson had a unique way of drawing parallels and making cultural references that exposed his intimate experience of life in Barbados and the Caribbean. The Celtics retired his No. "DJ will be remembered as one of the key figures in the resurgence of the NBA in the late '70s and early '80s," said Carlisle. During this period, Johnson grew to a height of 6'3",[2] and developed what some later described as "rocket launcher legs", which enabled him to jump high to grab rebounds against taller opponents. He spent his first four years in Seattle, and he improved each season. When he retired, he was the 11th player in NBA history to total 15,000 points and 5,000 assists. In 1978 he returned to his parents home in Arizona, and began sobering up. While we all knew of his health challenges, he never hid behind them. Dennis Johnson, who once owned a fisheries business in Grimsby, moved to the south-east Asian country eight years ago. Dennis had a great passion for the game of basketball as a player, and loved to teach the game as a coach. After losing Game 1, the Sonics won the next four games to take the finals series, helped by Johnson who averaged almost 23points along with six rebounds and assists per game. Dennis Wayne Johnson (September 18, 1954 - February 22, 2007), nicknamed "DJ", was an American professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics and coach of the Los Angeles Clippers. ", "He played with passion and grit," Laimbeer said. When he passed away in 2017, it was a shocking blow to the NBA community andthe Celtics organization. He picked them up and dropped them off at their destination. West Brom chief Carlos Corberan offers encouraging Hull City verdict, The Tigers made it seven games unbeaten and damaged Albion's top six hopes, 'I bought fry-up ingredients from Clarkson's farm shop - the bread alone was 6', The cost was more than double that of a supermarket, but the shopper was impressed with one of the items, Benjamin Tetteh's lift-off for Hull City as Lewie Coyle proves doubters wrong, The Tigers' returned to form in front of the television cameras with a big three points, The petrol station killer how Kirsty Carver fell victim to misfit Craig Belcher when she stopped to fill up, Hull police worker Kirsty Carver was killed by Craig Belcher in a brutal attack in Willerby, New artisan dessert restaurant to open in Hull city centre, Heavenly Desserts has restaurants across the nation, Woman's mission to sample scone at every possible National Trust location, Her mission was finally completed on Wednesday when Ms Merker visited the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland for one last scone, Hull's big fruit and veg seller explains shortages and the supermarket problem behind it, Wholesaler Rob Darcy has tomatoes galore but explains why shoppers are struggling, Every word Tony Smith said on Hull FC's defeat to Catalans, defensive woes and team calls. Liam Rosenior's emotional Benjamin Tetteh moment as Hull City ace remembers Christian Atsu, The striker got off the mark for the Tigers with a blistering finish on Friday evening, Liam Rosenior reveals key on-field meeting was Hull City turning point against West Brom, City were 2-0 winners against West Brom at the MKM Stadium, Goals Soccer Centre being demolished more than three years after closure, Work has begun on flattening the football pitches to make way for new industrial units. Born 20 November 1956 in Oceana, West Virginia; Dennis enlisted in the United States Army on 12 November 1974, retiring. The best result we found for your search is Dennis L Johnson age 60s in Conway, SC. [3] NBA legend George Gervin said in a podcast with journalist Bill Simmons that Johnson was the hardest defender he ever played against. "As far as a person, he was a great competitor," said Jack Sikma, who played with Johnson in Seattle. Dennis Johnson, 78, a long-time resident of Windsor Heights, died November 28, 2020. [1] This play caused Celtics broadcaster Johnny Most to shout out one of his most famous calls:[23]. He also was the Los Angeles Clippers' interim coach at the end of the 2002-03 season, going 8-16. . But Larry Bird baited Thomas, made his famous steal on the baseline and turned around to find Johnson streaking to the basket for the winning layup, sending the Garden crowd into pandemonium. Johnson died Thursday, collapsing after his developmental team's practice. One man is dead after a single-vehicle crash along I-35 and I-435 in Lenexa. [1] It was during this season that Johnson established himself as one of the best guards in the league; he averaged 15.9points and 3.5assists per game, and made his first All-Defensive First Team and All-Star Game appearance.[3]. It was not hard for Johnson to accept that role, playing alongside some of the NBA greats. In 1986, he was part of a team that featured four Hall of Famers _ Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Bill Walton. But Fernandes declared he was determined that he would not lose Johnson and therefore created the position of Senior Producer, which he occupied until his death. } The Celtics defeated the Lakers 4-3, and Johnson did a great job defending Magic Johnson. That mind-set, in part, led Bird to call Johnson the best teammate he ever had. According to Johnson this was his favorite play of all time. He wrote a short film, The Prom (1990), for the director Steven Shainberg, for whom he then adapted Jim Thompsons pulp novel A Swell Looking Babe into the much underrated neo-noir feature Hit Me (1996). Three years after his death, Johnson received a basketball. After clinching the Pacific Division with a 5230 record,[9] the team met the Bullets again in the 1979 NBA Finals. Benson Funeral Home, St. [5], Between the 197980 season and the 198182 season, the Celtics had lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals two out of three times, mainly because physical Sixers guard Andrew Toney routinely caused problems for their defensively fragile backcourt. ", His daughter Bonita said: He always taught me to be responsible and live life the full. I went from prodigy to prodigal in a hurry, he said. After graduation, he took a masters at the Iowa writers programme, where he studied under Raymond Carver. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service. Dennis Johnson, a brilliant defensive player who helped propel the Seattle SuperSonics and the Boston Celtics to N.B.A. Dennis Johnson was a part ofsuccessful Boston Celtics teamsfor numerous seasons. What I write about, Johnson said, is the dilemma of living in a fallen world, and asking why it is like this if theres supposed to be a god.. He played at Pepperdine and was drafted by Seattle in 1976. The obituary notice of Dennis JOHNSON Leicester, Published in: Leicester area. "Everything seemed fine. It made for not only great games, but great entertainment.". The family are hoping to raise 10,000 to travel to Thailand and bring back Dennis' ashes, or to bring him home to have a funeral in Grimsby. This time he took them to his home at 14400 Sunset Boulevard. [1] However, the young guard lacked discipline, often clashed with White and was thrown off the team three times in two years.[2]. Sympathy Ideas. "It was fun to play games like that. 809 W. Montgomery St. Creston, IA 50801 . Dennis Johnson, who once owned a fisheries business in Grimsby, moved. The woman who was found hanging this morning was identified as Charmaine Merchant. [42][43] The prosecutors dropped the case several months later after his wife declined to press charges. [5] Colleague Ken Shouler called Johnson "one of the first guys I'd give a Hall [of Fame] pass". You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch. As a result, Magic Johnson was taunted as "Tragic Johnson" whenever the Lakers and Celtics played against each other. After three seasons with the Phoenix Suns, he became the starting point guard for the Boston Celtics, with whom he won two more championships. John Dennis Johnson. Johnson, who was born in Grenada, was best known for his many roles at Voice of Barbados/Starcom Network. Green, also known as Pete Travis, appeared alongside fellow . He leaves behind son Paul, two daughters Bonita and Sally, and 33 grandchildren. [3] The Celtics met the Lakers in the 1985 NBA Finals again. At least 10 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, Biden had cancerous skin lesion removed last month, doctor says, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife and son, Tom Sizemore, actor known for "Saving Private Ryan" and "Heat," dies at 61, Defense lawyers in Idaho killings case want gag order kept, White supremacist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes kicked out of CPAC. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 21st, at the Cambridge Chapel of Stackhouse-Moore Funeral & Cremation Services. At the same time, his eccentric grandmother Mimi moved in; their relationship would be the subject of his play Shoppers Carried By Escalators Into the Flames (2002). Dennis' granddaughter, Abigail, told Grimsby Live: "My grandad died out in Thailand but he's from Grimsby and all his friends and family are here, so what we're trying to do is raise the funds to be able to get him back to the UK so we can have a service here. Thats the last. Johnson was becoming a top player in the league at the time. The tragic death of Dennis Johnson shocked the NBA world After his playing career, Johnson remained with the Celtics organization working as a scout for the team. A second small press book of poems followed, but the 70s were primarily lost to his addictions, including heroin. She was employed as a CRNA for 37 years in the Calhoun County Area. As people would say, I'm shocked. 3 jersey which hangs from the rafters of the TD Garden, the home arena of the team. [3] The Sonics finished with a 4042 record[9] and missed the 1977 NBA Playoffs, leading head coach Bill Russell to resign. [37] Johnson was also known for his appearance: he had freckles[38] and red-tinged hair. [25][26] In that season, Johnson started in 65 of his 75 games, averaging 7.1points and 6.5assists,[3] but the Celtics failed to get past the first round of the 1990 NBA Playoffs. We're all in shock.". Bill Houston, the protagonist who is executed in Angels (1983), his first novel, reappears as his younger self in Johnsons most successful novel, the sprawling Vietnam tale Tree of Smoke (2007), which won the US National Book award. .component--type-recirculation .item:nth-child(5) { Memorial service will be at 6 PM Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at Epiphany Station Church, Thief River Falls, MN. There will be a live stream of Dennis's private funeral service starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29th. Your email address will not be published. The Celtics retired DJ's #3 on December 13, 1991. Johnson, who was serving as the head coach of the Austin Toros, the Celtics' D-League affiliate, was a member of three NBA Championship teams, and won two titles with the Boston Celtics ('84, '86). The statement read that it would be fair to say that Barbados and the Caribbean have lost one of the finest and professional broadcasters of the last two decades. Add a Memory. "He was very intelligent, a lot of people would say he was very wise as well, especially with his businesses and money and things. A new collection of stories, The Largesse of the Sea Maiden, is due to be published next January. Lanette Kay Weston. Johnson, known by fans. The Barbados Association of Journalists and Media Workers (BARJAM), in representing the media fraternity, said in a statement that it was shocked and saddened at the death of a colleague. Dennis was born May 14, 1951, in Shenandoah, the son of Wayne and Margaret (Grape) Johnson. }, First published on February 23, 2007 / 12:10 AM. "I hate to lose," he once said. We travelled together to the National Association of Broadcasters [convention], we travelled to Disney, we laughed, we shared commentaries, we were constantly in contact on WhatsApp.. [5] In the 1987 NBA Finals, however, the Celtics succumbed to the Los Angeles Lakers 42 as Lakers playmaker and Finals MVP Magic Johnson put up a great performance, averaging 26 points and 13 assists throughout the series. The ball bounced off Sikma before going out of bounds, and the Celtics maintained possession. Denny is survived by wife, Geri Johnson and daughters, Lisia (Jeffrey) Langejans and Christina (Gary) Desoto; son, Michael (Elisa) Jennings. The Celtics went on to win the series and advance to the 1987 NBA Finals. [1] Originally a baseball fan and a Little Leaguer,[2] Johnson learned basketball from his father, but seemed to have neither the size nor the talent to compete with his peers: as a teenager at Dominguez High School, Johnson measured just 5'9" and played only "a minute or two each game". When the Celtics took Game 7, Johnson went back at Rodman in the last moments of the game and mimicked his taunting gesture. "My thoughts and condolences are with his family at this difficult time.