BELATED: Samuel Linden Johnson ( January 8, 1955 - November 24, 2014)

Samuel Linden Johnson, a longtime resident of Alexandria, Virginia passed away on Monday, November 24, 2014 at the age of 59. Lindy was born on January 8, 1955 in Washington, DC, the first son of S. Linden and Veronica Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Veronica (Rodgers) Johnson in 1980 and S. Linden Johnson in 2001.



Attribution: Legacy.com
Guestbook: Johnson

Conservation pioneer John Kauffmann dies at 91

Longtime Somesville resident John Kauffman, who was one of the country’s conservation pioneers, died peacefully at his home in Yarmouth on Nov. 16. He was 91.

Kauffman was born in Champaign IL, but grew up in Washington D.C., and Stark, NH.

After a career in the diplomatic service he worked as a reporter at the Washington Star newspaper where his family was part owner. He later worked as a National Park Service planner assisting in the establishment of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and the Cape Cod National Seashore.

In 1972 he was assigned to Alaska and helped study which areas of that state would become national parks, monuments and preserves. His efforts helped preserve more than 100 million acres.

In his book “Coming into the Country,” author John McPhee, who credits Kauffmann with inspiring many of his works, recounts accompanying Kauffmann on one of his field explorations in Alaska. McPhee writes, obviously tongue in cheek that any bear that would bite Kauffmann, would be “most unlikely to complete the meal.”

Full story: John Kauffmann
Attribution: Mount Desert Islander, mdislander.com

Kelly Leiter, former UT dean of communications, dies

Barnard Kelly Leiter, former dean of the College of Communication and Information at the University of Tennessee and a one-time reporter for the Chicago Daily News, among other publications, remained a journalist even after his death last week at age 89.

It turns out, Mr. Leiter had carefully crafted his own four-page typed obituary and sent it to his friend and lawyer, Rick Hollow, in 2009.

“The four pages relating to my unimpressive trek through life may seem a bit overindulgent. (Like who really cares.),” Mr. Leiter wrote in an accompanying letter, which Hollow was instructed to open only after its author’s death. “But I’m including it so that if anyone should ask you, you will have it on hand.”

His close friend and fellow former UT dean, Dwight Teeter, upon learning about the self-penned obituary, laughed.

“He was a journalist to the core, and you might as well get it right,” Teeter said.

Mr. Leiter, who had never married, was found dead Saturday by another close friend, Teeter said. He was discovered in bed “as if he was reading,” Teeter said.

Mr. Leiter was born Oct. 25, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Indiana University and twice served in the Navy, first as an enlisted 17-year-old seaman during World War II and again as a reservist during the Korean War.

After completing his second tour of service in the Pacific, he began his newspaper career in Rockford, Ill. Mr. Leiter went on to a 15-year career as a reporter, feature writer, columnist and editor at the Indianapolis News, the Chicago Daily News, the Washington Star and the Hialeah (Fla.) Home News. He also served as a Midwest correspondent for Life magazine.

Full Story: Barnard Kelly Leiter

Attribution: Megan Boehnke - knoxnews.com

Thomas J. Burke, Sr., 89, Star Reporter, Editor Arlington Daily

Thomas J. Burke, Sr., 89 of Hollywood, MD, passed away November 10, 2014 surrounded by loving family at his home. He was born in Bronx, NY, on January 29, 1925 to William P. Burke and Eleanor White Burke.

Leaving high school early, Tom proudly served in the United States Army during World War II in the Bomb Disposal Unit. After the war, Tom earned his Bachelors Degree from George Washington University and began his career in the field of Public Relations. He was a reporter for The Washington Star, Editor of the Arlington Daily, Director of Public Affairs for the Maryland-National Park & Planning Commission, Director of Public Relations for American National Bank and then became a Partner with Hoffman Associates Public Relations Firm. Tom finally settled at Holy Cross Hospital as the Director of Public Relations in Silver Spring, MD, where he ultimately retired in 1985, after 15 years of service.

Upon retirement, Tom moved to St. Mary’s County with his wife Sally permanently. In St. Mary’s County, he continued in the public relations field and in community service as a volunteer and active member with the Rotary Club, St Mary’s Historical Society, St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary, Optimists Club, the Barbershop Quartet, and presided over the annual Oyster Festival for several years. Tom was well-known for his love of family and country, eloquence as an orator, and the stories he shared. His generous nature, smile and voice and solid presence will be dearly missed by so many.

Attribution: smnewsnet. com

Edward Nicholas Duplinsky, Personnel Director at The Washington Star, November 4, 2014

Of Kensington, Maryland passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, at Suburban Hospital, at the age of 89.

Born in Connecticut, Ed served in World War II and received his B.A & M.A.in Psychology at George Washington University. His business career included serving as Personnel Director at The Washington Star, Personnel Director at Omni Construction, Inc., Vice President at Drake, Beam, Morin and President of the Washington Board of Trade.

Attribution: Legacy.com