William (Bill) D. Johnson
November 9, 1939 - September 23, 2013
Former Dartmouth men’s golf coach Bill Johnson passed away suddenly earlier this week. He died unexpectedly while at the hospital for a quick visit. His wife, Izzy, was with him at the time.
Bill was adamant with Izzy that there would not be a funeral but there may be a memorial service at a later date in Hanover or Southern Pines.
Johnson coached the men’s golf team at Dartmouth for over 30 years, leading the Big Green to a trio of Ivy League Championships. During his tenure from 1967 to 2001, Johnson saw 17 of his Big Green student-athletes compete in NCAA competition. He coached four All-Americans and was inducted into the Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame in 1990. He was a member of the NCAA golf committee from 1978-84, serving as its chair from 81-84.
Johnson co-founded not only the New Hampshire Junior Golf Association, but also the New Hampshire chapter of the New England PGA. In 1999, he was honored by the New England Intercollegiate Golf Association for his contributions to the game. Most recently, Johnson was inducted into Dartmouth’s Wearers of the Green in 2004 and earned the Golf Coaches Association of America Honor Award in 2007.
Johnson was truly a legend and guiding force to generations of Dartmouth golfers. But beyond all of his accomplishments, victories and contributions to collegiate golf, he will always be remembered and celebrated for his incredible humanness, personality and unquenchable spirit. He loved his players, his teams and Dartmouth. His love for golf was boundless and his teachings revolutionary.
As Johnson often said, "Gentleman, there are 18 chapters out there today. Some are good. Some are bad. Just make sure you read each one. And … enjoy yourself." - Dartmouth Sports and The Pilot
Labels: Bill Johnson, Dartmouth, golf, Hanover, My Dad, New Hampshire, Passings
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