It is with deep sadness that I must tell you of the death of our colleague and dear friend, Robert Johnson. He died at the VCCA on Friday evening, June 23, doing what he loved so well.

I know you join me as we send our thoughts and prayers to Robert's wife, our own Dorothy, and his children and extended family.

For three decades, Robert was the faithful face of the VCCA, serving up a unique blend of wit and charm in the kitchen, and transporting Fellows at all hours of the day and night, always cheerfully and always on time.

By Sunday, news of Robert's death spread around the world, and so many of you have called and emailed with your condolences, confirming what we have always known--that Robert personified all that is good about the VCCA, that he was an integral part of you, and that you loved him.

And it was you--our Fellows--who meant so much to him, and you who have become his legacy. He believed in you, he loved you and he worked tirelessly in the kitchen, on the road and elsewhere to ensure the seamless success of your residencies.

No doubt your next VCCA stay will be marked by Robert's absence, but also by memories--Robert's crackerjack poker game, the moseying of his Lincoln Town Car past the studio barn, his special way of welcoming you home to the VCCA.

There will not be another Robert Johnson. He was a gentleman of unique and enduring character. We will remember him as a sweet, steady soul; a veritable Renaissance man who commanded respect because he gave it. Most of all, we will miss him, but he will never be far from us. He is as embedded in the landscape of Mt. San Angelo as he is in our hearts.

Suny Monk, Executive Director

Robert's funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 28, at the First Baptist Church of Coolwell, 193 Mt. Airy Road, Amherst, Virginia 24521. Family night at the church is Wednesday at 6 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, Robert will take one final ride around San Angelo Drive. Condolences may be sent to Robert's family at P.O. Box 111, Sweet Briar, Virginia 24595.

Please click here to read Robert's obituary in the Lynchburg News & Advance.

Photo of Robert by VCCA Fellow Bernard Handzel