Family, Biden and colleagues from both Democratic and Republican parties honor Tim Johnson

Politicians, both Democratic and Republican, offered praise and appreciation for the life and service of Tim Johnson, who died on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Johnson served in the state House of Representatives, the state Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate.

He was 77 when he died in hospice care in Sioux Falls following a stroke.

From the Johnson family, including his widow Barb, children Brooks, Brendan, and Kelsey and eight grandchildren:

“As a fourth generation South Dakotan, fighting for the state he loved was the greatest privilege of his life, but he considered his family his greatest blessing. Watching his three children and eight grandchildren grow and thrive with Barbara, his wife of 55 years, at his side brought him immense pride and joy.”

“Tim always quipped that neither the left, nor the right, had a monopoly on all of the good ideas, but that working together, we can find common ground for the good of our country. In his work and life, Tim showed us never to give up. He will be missed. Our lives are fuller for having been loved and supported by him.”

From Drey Samuelson, his chief of staff for 28 years and friend for four decades, who announced Johnson’s death on Facebook on Wednesday:

“It's with great sadness that I write these words: our former boss, our good friend, Tim Johnson, has departed this life.

“He died a few hours ago, surrounded by his family, but also surrounded by the love and admiration that all of us have felt for him for many years.

“When it became was obvious a few days ago that this was the journey that Tim was about to go on, I wrote the following message to Barb:

“‘It’s hard to imagine someone living a life more meaningful and impactful than Tim’s — and, in the end, impact and meaning are the best that any of us can hope to achieve. Tim succeeded in reaching those goals way beyond what I'm sure were his wildest dreams when he was a young man. But that success obviously doesn’t make saying goodbye to him any easier, I know, and there’s nothing that anyone can say that will help that, much as I wish otherwise.’

“And it’s also true that few people have been impacted more directly than those of us who had the pleasure and privilege to work both with and for Tim, as I’m sure all of us realize. I know from talking to them that Tim and Barb regarded one of the highlights of their service as having given a start to the careers of so many wonderful people, doing so many important things. Many people on the outside will not consider — or even be aware — of that accomplishment, but there’s no doubt that he considered it one of the most significant of his career, and I’m sure that everyone of us will agree.

“As I wrote, there’s nothing easy about saying goodbye to someone we loved and admired so much, but the truth is that Tim Johnson will live on in our hearts forever, and he will also live on in the lives that we touch ourselves, in the days to come.”

From President Joe Biden:

“Tim Johnson served the people of South Dakota with distinction, and it was an honor to serve alongside him in the United States Senate for over a decade.

He always put South Dakotans first, and he never forgot where he came from. He worked tirelessly to bring clean drinking water to Americans wherever they lived: rural towns, inner cities, and Tribal lands. And he steered critical investments toward Indian Country and to South Dakota’s development and infrastructure.

“As a Senator, Tim improved access to health care for millions of Americans by providing a critical vote on the Affordable Care Act, advocating for veterans’ health care funding, and fighting to expand Medicaid in South Dakota.

We also worked together to establish the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, to defend the backbone of our economy—hardworking Americans.

Over the years, Jill and I got to know Tim and Barb as true friends. Our hearts are with Barb, his three children, his eight grandchildren, and the people of South Dakota, whose lives Tim touched.

“May God bless Tim Johnson.”

From former Sen. Tom Daschle, a longtime friend and colleague:

“His partnership, his friendship, his sense of humor, his commitment to public service, inspired me, and I think made me a better senator.”

From Sen. John Thune, who lost to Johnson in a razor-close Senate race, and later was a Senate colleague for a decade.

“Kimberley and I join all South Dakotans in mourning the loss of former Senator Tim Johnson,” said Thune. “Known for his tenacity and work ethic, Tim was a steadfast leader who dedicated his life to serving the people of South Dakota with integrity and compassion. He fought tirelessly for rural America and leaves a legacy that will have a lasting impact for years to come. We are praying for Barbara and their entire family and know that Tim’s remarkable life will continue to inspire future generations.”

From Sen. Mike Rounds, who declined to consider replacements for Johnson if he would resign following his 2006 brain bleed, saying they were friends:

“Tim Johnson served his home state of South Dakota in public office for more than 35 years, including in the Senate seat that I now hold. His love for South Dakota was undeniable.

“His loss will be felt across the state, but particularly by his wife Barbara and family. Praying for Tim’s family and all who knew and loved him.”

From Congressman Dusty Johnson:

“Senator Tim Johnson worked hard for South Dakota and America for decades. I’m saddened to hear of his passing and am praying for his family and loved ones.”

From Gov. Kristi Noem, who served four years in Congress with Johnson, and ordered flags be flown at half-staff statewide until sunset on Friday, Oct. 18, the day of his funeral at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.

“I worked with Tim Johnson and appreciated that his heart was for the people of South Dakota. He was a true servant. On behalf of the State of South Dakota, our prayers go out to his entire family.”

From state Rep. Erin Healy, D-Sioux Falls, who worked for Johnson as a legislative correspondent in Washington, D.C.:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Tim Johnson. He was a dedicated public servant who tirelessly represented South Dakota for nearly three decades in both state and federal government. His steadfast commitment to the people of our state and his unwavering integrity were the hallmarks of his career. Whether it was fighting for farmers, veterans, or supporting critical infrastructure projects, Tim Johnson’s leadership left a lasting impact on countless lives. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of South Dakotans to serve with the same humility and resolve. My heartfelt condolences go out to Barb, his family, and loved ones during this difficult time.”

From South Dakota Democratic Party Chair Shane Merrill:

“One of the good guys, a true statesman. He will be missed”

From the South Dakota Democratic Party:

“All of us at the SD Democratic Party are heartbroken by the passing of former Sen. Tim Johnson. He embodied what it means to be a public servant by improving infrastructure, agriculture and healthcare. He worked hard everyday for all South Dakotans. He will be greatly missed.”

Fourth-generation South Dakotan Tom Lawrence covered Tim Johnson for three decades. Lawrence has written for several newspapers and websites in South Dakota and other states and contributed to The New York Times, NPR, The London Telegraph, The Daily Beast and other media outlets. Republish with permission.

Photo: public domain image posted on wikimedia commons