Tribute to Vickey: OCLC Members' Council, May 16, 2008

Celebrating Vickey
Bruce Newell, May 16, 2008

Larry phoned last week while I was out in the hills behind the house, walking with my friend Jon and his 22-month-old daughter Anika. Anika paused frequently to do that little-kid-squat-thing; her face dimpling at the profusion of wildflowers and pinecones.

Larry had called to ask if I'd like to say something at Members' Council about Vickey, words to remember her and celebrate her well-lived life. I said, "Thanks, sure, be glad to," and went home to think, sitting in my Grandfather's painted wood rocking chair and staring north out across the valley.

It snowed hard for a couple of hours at our place in Montana last Monday. But by mid-week in the garden, blue Squills poked out of the ground, matching a bright blue sky. Ruby-red Tulips and yellow Crocus give us hope that springtime may finally come to town as well as the mountains.

It's a mixed-up world. Spring has been in the hills for several weeks and yesterday it was winter in the valley. And our friend Vickey has died. What sense is there in a world where death robs us of those we love?

It is incalculably sad that we have lost Vickey, who quietly coped with her long illness with grit and humor. And while I mourn her passing I can't help but note that she was quite a gal. She lived well, and in this there is great comfort. Samuel Butler wrote: Life is like playing a violin in public and learning the instrument as one goes on. This may be true for most of us, but Vickey was special: I never heard her hit a wrong note; from her I heard nothing but arias.

Vickey was very alive and was always fully engaged in whatever was going on. She worked hard and was always willing to take on difficult assignments. Vickey treasured rubbing elbows with her colleagues in Members' Council and the Board. She sparkled around us, and we responded by sparkling around her. She was fun and game for anything. Together, during breaks at Members' Council, she and I routinely took a little exercise tromping through some scary places: woods, brooks, pawpaw patches, and that epitome of horror, the Tuttle Crossing Mall! Always with our walking came good, honest conversation about stuff that mattered to us both.

Vickey showed us a lot of wisdom and humor. She understood, rather, she lived OCLC's "essence"; that of librarians working together, unselfishly, for the common good. Vickey was the quintessential progressive librarian, fearlessly welcoming change, while at the same time sensibly appraising change's value as well as its cost.

She was a role model and, for me, literally a mentor. Freshman Board members are paired with experienced Trustees to help us come up to speed quickly and not tumble into the soup. During my first year on the Board, Vickey served formally and very ably as my mentor. This was nothing new; I had been learning from her for years.

Vickey was a delightful person, unfailingly generous with her affection with family and friends. From our conversations over the years, I know that she unreservedly loved her husband David and her family. She was a good friend to many of us here today. Vickey lived well. We will all miss her. None of us will forget her.

Submitted by Bruce Newell
bnewell@mt.net

I met Vickey through ALA and Susan Hildreth. I was the Chapter Councillor from NY and Vickey was the one from California. Susan called us Miss NY and Miss CA. The 3 of us and my friend Darby Brien, Director of Utica PL in NY, often met at ALA conferences for dinner and fun. The last time was in Orlando, Vickey, Darby and I went to every attraction in the park. She was so much fun!

The last time I saw her we were in Chicago. The International Rotary Conference was just ahead of ALA so she was in town for both. She called me on my cellphone and we met for shopping and lunch in a Chicago highrise mall. We laughed our way through all the stores and wound up testing lip plumpers in Sephora. We had such a great time!

I think of her often and fondly. She was a great person and I am so lucky to have met her. My condolences to her family.

Submitted by Mary Lou Caskey Reape
mlreape@gmail.com

Obituary

VICTORIA LOUISE JOHNSON
JANUARY 23, 1948 --MAY 5, 2008
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA -
Following a life filled with leadership, love and laughter, Victoria Louise Johnson, 60, peacefully passed away on May 5, 2008, with her husband by her side. Victoria, or Vickey as she was affectionately known, was born in Oakland, California, and eventually settled with her family in South Pasadena, CA. in 1965. It was there that she met and married her husband, David, and they raised their family before moving to Northern California in 1996. Receiving her B.A. and an M.S. in Library Science from the School of Library and Information Management at the University of Southern California, Vickey began her library career at the South Pasadena Public Library. She rose to the position of acting Library Director at Pasadena Public Library, became the Director of Sunnyvale Library, and retired from her library career as the Director of Library Services for the County of San Mateo, California. Vickey's distinguished career as a public servant was punctuated by her leadership positions with the American Library Association, the California Library Association, Peninsula Library Services and her position on the Board of Trustees of OCLC, the Ohio-based library services nonprofit organization. Vickey sought fairness wherever she went, had an impressive work ethic, and was always a bright spirit.

While in her daily life she was surrounded by stories found in books,the best story of all was found in the life she lived: her courage, her class, her great taste and her example in embracing life. Vickey is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, David Raymond Johnson of Menlo Park and Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA; her sons, Benjamin Tor (Jennifer) Johnson of La Mesa, CA; Erik Odin (Angela Briceno) Johnson of South Pasadena, CA; her mother, Louise Benson Ball of Pasadena, CA; her sister, Margaret Dickey (Larry) Richardson of West Barnstable, MA; and her grandchildren, Elijah, Olivia, and Kayla. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula, Saturday, May 31st at 11:00 a.m. Vickey's ashes will be scattered at Carmel Beach after the ceremony. Vickey's family would like to offer their sincerest appreciation to all of the physicians, nurses and other caregivers at the Stanford Medical Center, who provided loving and encouraging care for her over the past 12 years.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Victoria Johnson Memorial Children's Book Fund. Checks may be mailed to:
Silicon Valley Community Foundation Grants and Gifts Administration, 2440 W. El Camino Real, Suite 300, Mountain View, CA 94040 (Please list The V. Johnson Memorial Fund in the check memo. Individual tax receipts will be issued for gifts.)

Memorial service, May 31st, 11 am

Memorial Service will be held at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula at 11AM on Saturday, May 31, 2008. The address is 4590 Carmel Valley Rd. Carmel, CA 93023.

Submitted by Jan Burns

In lieu of flowers...

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation to benefit the Victoria Johnson Memorial Childrens' Book Fund.
Checks may be mailed to:
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Grants & Gifts Administration
2440 W. El Camino Real, Suite 300
Mountain View, CA 94040
List the Victoria Johnson Fund in the check memo.
Individual tax receipts will be distributed for gifts.

Submitted by Elaine Zorbas

Memorial to Vickey Johnson, OCLC Members' Council May 18, 2008

As many of you know, when I heard that Vickey was transitioning to hospice, I created a blog to capture stories, memories and thoughts about her impact on our lives. I would like to share this letter to Vickey--

Dear Vickey,

You wouldn't believe the outpouring of love from all the various areas of your life: Your husband and family who loved you so, your six sisters-in-law who called you the seventh sister; Your friends and neighbors, across the state who are grieving for their own loss as they face the reality of your struggles with cancer; Your colleagues, across the state, the nation and the world: from California's CLA to ALA; from Pasadena in Southern California to Sunnyvale in Silicon Valley, and the County of San Mateo; Nationally as well as internationally, Your OCLC connections, your OCLC family.

Everyone recalls your engagement, whether brief or extended, you left your mark. You were actively engaged in your surroundings whether it be at work, or at play. Your passion for libraries, your spirit of adventure, your love of friends and colleagues. You embraced it all.

As for me, I feel so lucky to have known you so long,
from those early days at Pasadena Public Library and at ALA where we built our reputation of the two people no ono one else would room with. We could talk all night and then laugh until dawn, catching up with each other and sharing our lives. How hard is was to drag ourselves to the early morning exhibits and programs and we swore we would not stay up so late again

How you loved technology from your early PALM and Rocket E-book; I always wondered what new toy you would pull out and share with me. And how we loved to go to the exhibits to find new and exciting applications for our libraries.

Ah, and shopping...it was really an excuse to just be together as old friends. How comfortable it was...

When you called me about running for OCLC Members' Council and talked about the need for another community college voice, you told me that without a doubt, this was the most significant professional activity of your life. You told me of the power to convey a message, that they listened intently, and that often, you would see the results of your suggestions. And how validating that was to shape the direction of this cooperative.

You are the epitome of what we now call "social networking"...
I now know precisely what it is. Whether you were mentoring and encouraging people, face to face or enhanced through electronic communications, it is all about the connections you make in your brief time on earth. Sometimes, those were connections were at the Reference desk, sometimes in the board room and sometimes those connections were in the bar, after the late OCLC dinners. No matter where you were, your voice was clear, your reason exact, as you networked with colleagues to move all libraries forward.
Ernie Ingles said it best when he said about you that you were "remarkable...the very essence of the cooperative, sharing of [yourself] in every dimension.

I will miss your smile, your humor, intellect and energy, yet, your spirit remains in me and in all those you touched, and in all those who had the pleasure of your company.
Love,
Mary Ann


Submitted by
maryannlaun@yahoo.com

Dear Family, colleagues and friends of Vickey, I am truly honored to have worked with Vickey on Members Council and as a member of the OCLC Membership Committee. Vickey was a true professional and a person who listened carefully to all opinions and had an amazing ability to be fair to all. Vickey was dedicated to her profession and helped make the world a better place for everyone she encountered. Please accept my sympathy. The most important think is to remember all the happy times and laugh and enjoy them as I am sure that is what Vickey would want.

Submitted by Jan Ison
jison@lincolntrail.info

vickey: i'm glad i knew ya. d all my love.

Submitted by keith
captainskirk@earthlink.net

Click here to see the tribute to Vickey in OCLC Abstracts.http://tinyurl.com/43dcw8

Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss, David. A very special light has flickered out, and the world is a little darker because of it.

Vickey and I worked together closely on several OCLC projects. The idea that she won't be here---to share her counsel, to keep me grounded, and to make me laugh---is hard to take. But I know that our loss cannot, should not, compare to yours.

The only consolation is in numbers, in knowing that there are legions of others who share your sadness and want to be there to support you in this sad hour.

Submitted by George Needham
needhamg@oclc.org

Memorial Service in Carmel, May 31st

I spoke to David and he told me that the Memorial service for Vickey is scheduled for May 31st. maryann

My deepest sympathy goes out to Vickey's family and friends. Vickey Johnson offered me opportunities for growth and professional development and I will forever be grateful for her belief in me.

Michael Lambert, San Mateo County Library (2000-2006)

Submitted by Michael Lambert - PLCMC
michaelambert@gmail.com

I am deeply touched by the very sad message about Vickey. My sincere condolences go out to you David and your family, to friends and colleagues. In August last year, we met each other in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam at the reception of OCLC PICA. I remember our nice conversation and the enthusiasm of the two of you about your trip to Europe. It was Vickey all over: very much interested in the world about her and in the people she met. We will miss a very nice colleague and a accomplished librarian. David and family, I hope that our memories to Vickey will give you some consolation.

Ariette Skolnik
Delegate Members Council
Director Stadsbibliotheek Haarlem, The Netherlands

Submitted by Ariette Skolnik
a.skolnik@haarlem.nl

My thoughts today are with David, Vicki's sons, daughter-in-law and grandchildren and oh so many friends and colleagues. I am one of the Pasadena librarians who was touched oh so many years ago by Vickey when she came to the Library as a new energetic librarian. Eager to take on that crazy project we called PALS...along with all the other crazy projects that Anne and Ed and Sally dreamed up. We were knee-deep in construction at the main library during those years, implementing the online catalog at the branches (this was 1984-87) and doing one of the first literacy programs in California. Vickey always said yes--all the while raising her 2 sons and being a great wife (I'm sure of that David).
Vickey showed everyone how to do it--whatever she tackled--being a mom, library director, library leader, and fighting cancer. No one did it better.

Liz Bishoff, Pasadena Public Library (1984-1987)

Submitted by Liz Bishoff
Liz.Bishoff@colorado.edu

Mother's Day...
I have three daughters, Lissa, Mindy and Amy...and they are so unique in their interests and abilities yet yet so similar in their sensitivity and caring.

Today, they bought me a Mother's Day gift: it is what they called a "Vickey tree." It is a "Sweet Memory Sky flower" vine that has a vivid lavender and purple flower. Their card said: " We know she is in your heart. We thought it would be cool to have her in your backyard as well!"

We will plant it today!

Submitted by Mary Ann Laun
maryannlaun@yahoo.com

Over my 24 yrs. at PPL, Vickey was one of my favorite people to meet in the hallway.

She was a beautiful women, always looked nice and usually had a smile on her face. She always made time to talk to you.

As a breast cancer survivor myself, it is sad to know that she didn't beat it.

My thoughts and prayers go to her family.

A newly retired PPL Employee.

Submitted by Sue Phaneuf
slibrarian@hotmail.com

Dear OCLC Friends and Colleagues,
It is with deep sorrow that I write to let you know that our friend, colleague, and fellow trustee, Vickey Johnson, passed away on Monday, May 5, 2008. Vickey was an extraordinary friend, colleague, and librarian. For me personally, it was a pleasure and a privilege to get to know her over the last decade as a dedicated and accomplished librarian and delegate to Members Council, and over the last four years as an OCLC Trustee. She was a wonderful and deeply valued friend to all of us who had the privilege and the joy to work with her and to get to know her. As I have already related to the members of the Board, I talked to Vickey and her husband, David, briefly yesterday morning. Vickey was talking to me about how much her work with OCLC and the many friends she had made through that work meant to her. All of us who knew her are devastated by the loss of this very special person. We will all miss our friend deeply even as our thoughts and prayers go out to her family. With deep sadness,
Larry

Larry Alford
Chair, OCLC Board of Trustees

Submitted by Mary Ann Laun

Sad news indeed. Frankly, I am not sure when last I felt as sad as I am at this very moment. Larry's clearly heartfelt tribute stirs my very soul. Vickey will certainly be missed among the OCLC family. That is heartbreaking in its own right. But, much more important is the loss to librarianship as practice and to librarians as professional practitioners. She was remarkable. She was the very essence of the cooperative, sharing of herself in every dimension. I will remember her fondly, and I will be a better person for those memories. My heartfelt condolences to family.

Ernie Ingles
Vice-Provost and Chief Librarian,
Cameron Library, University of Alberta,
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2J8

Submitted by Ernie Ingles
ernie.ingles@UALBERTA.CA

I remember that Vickey told me of the digital storytelling project that helped her so much when she first faced breast cancer. I found the article at this site:

http://www.community-newspapers.com/archives/sunnyvalesun/10.28.98/DigitalHealing.html

Submitted by Mary Ann
maryannlaun@yahoo.com

Dear Vickey:
Okay - - I'll take the blame for SOME of the trips to Ohio - - but only the ones for Members Council. Getting elected to the Board was all you - - you got elected to the Board at OCLC because librarians from around the world saw your amazing leadership skills and were as impressed with your talents as the libraries from OCLC Western.

While it's an honor to work with you, being your friend is quite simply a pleasure.

I teased you once and told you I wanted to be like you if I ever decided to grow up and your response was that you hadn't decided whether you wanted to grow up either. So here's my proposal - - let's both stay children and friends forever, and ever.

Much love, kiddo.

Submitted by Pam Bailey
baileyp@oclc.org

Hi Vickey,

You've always been such an inspiration to me, both personally and professionally. Getting to know you through our mutual Pasadena friends, becoming part of the Northern California gang of library directors who drink and dine, talking about OCLC and your encouraging me to run for Members Council, and perhaps most meaningfully, that you were one of the first to call when I had my own health challenges.

What fun you've been at our Dublin forays, and remember buying those butter knives in the shop in Quebec and calling Anne - she thought we were crazy.

You've been a great friend and colleague and my life is better because you've been in it.

Much love, Anne Marie

Submitted by Anne Marie Gold
amg@goldorg.net

First Impressions

Hi Vickey,

I don't think you know this, but one of my very first library visits with OCLC was to Sunnyvale Public Library to meet with you and your staff.

I was young and new and nervous before our visit but, it's funny, I felt like a million bucks when I left.

Since then I've had the pleasure of working with you on Western Advisory Council and Members Council stuff (mostly working through a bottle of wine and dinner!). You always bring your A-game - a combination intensity, wit, and calmness - every time I see you (ever notice how many times we run into each other at conferences? It's almost eery.)

So, first impressions mean alot. Personally, I like to think that every time we meet someone it's an opportunity to be a good person. I bet you didn't know this, either - I got that from watching you.

Submitted by Amy Crawford
crawfora@oclc.org

Hello dear Vickey,
I have many wonderful, positive, beautiful memories of working with you at Pasadena Public Library. Here is a short one that starts at the beginning.

When Marge called me to arrange an interview with you and Elaine, I was not able to come at the time required. I lived in Camarillo and had a job. You and Elaine agreed to interview me on a Tuesday night!

I drove down thru horrendous traffic and walked into an overcrowded Library with long lines. I stood in the appropriate line, but knew I'd never make the interview on time, so tried to intercept a desk person leaving the desk to go elsewhere. The person would not help me and told me to get back in line. I did, but happened to see you walking by. Of course, I didn't know it was you, but thought you looked like someone in charge. The question that came out of my mouth was, Are you Vickey Johnson? How fortunate for me that you were! You, Elaine and I connected in that interview. It was a wonderful experience and you hired me. Thank you, dear Vickey! This is 17 years later and my affection and regard for you has only grown.

Much love always!

Submitted by Shirley Ewells
sewells@cityofpasadena.net

Vickey -- remember when we first got computers with Windows and practiced using the mouse -- by playing solitare? We got to be good at mousing!

You always looked embarrassed when I walked in if the solitare screen was on.

You are a fantastic and fun person and have been a role model in taking life on!

Submitted by Laurie Whitcomb

Vickey - so many years have passed since we were together at library school and then at Pasadena Public. We were such good friends (you hosted my wedding shower!) but lost touch when you went to Sunnyvale and we headed "Down Under". I appreciated your advice when I made the decision to come back to libraries a few years ago, and enjoyed catching up with you at recent conferences.

And Anne's email reminded me of PALS....I had the t-shirt until it fell victim to our last move!

I was only at PPL a short time, and have been amazed at how strong the bond with my colleagues there has proven to be.

Submitted by Kathy (Smith) Gould
dkgould@roadrunner.com

Sorry, Vickey & Amy, but I really have to jump in here---because eons before you guys, I was the first of the 3 of us who worked at South Pasadena P.L. while in library school & beyond-- then eventually transitioned to Pasadena P.L. What an interesting time we all had there--with the library & staff, government & community, funding issues, the formative years of library systems, the amazing evolution of online library services, etc. Everyone there was really sorry when you left Pasadena, Vickey, but we were happy for you in your move to Sunnyvale. When you headed north, we encouraged your friendship with Sunnyvale's ex-Pasadenan and dynamic Finance Director Mary Bradley. What a great working relationship and lasting friendship you forged! Most of the members of the group who worked together in Pasadena have moved on to other jobs or retirement, but through the years we have kept track of one another. So I send a thousand thanks to you, Vickey, and to Mary & Amy & Anne & Mary Ann & Elaine & the rest of the former Pasadena staff members (you know who you are!)for staying in touch and for being such excellent librarians and such warm, wonderful, caring & supportive friends!

Submitted by Jan (Galbavy) Burns
janburns5@verizon.net

Count me among the people who stopped sharing a room with Vickey and Mary Ann at conferences - I would come home exhausted after staying up half the night! I have a picture of Vickey, Amy Kinard and me in our PALS t-shirts at a conference where we did a poster session together.

Submitted by Anne Cain
cain.anne@comcast.net

I just sent Vickey an email earlier praising her rare kind of friendship. We'd lost touch in recent years, but last summer when our libraries all closed she came through with information about the company that now manages us, and even offered to help me prepare for my interview! But, as I shared with her in this a.m.'s email, she also bailed me out years ago when Pasadena PL called me for an interview and I didn't have time to get a sitter. Vickey is the only person I would have considered calling at the last minute - and she came right over to babysit two kids she didn't know. What kind of friend is that! We'd started out at So. Pas. Library together and then I followed her to Pasadena. For some reason I also recall Vickey rolled up the sleeves of her t-shirts to make them look more stylish. Now why did that impress me? Wish it worked as well for me, but she always looks great.

Submitted by Amy Kinard
amykinard@mind.net

Vickey is a champion walker. With her I walked through mid-western malls, papaw lined fields, and once, on a snowy walk one Member's Council day, through woods and across fences. Vickey was wearing nice clothes and seemed un-fazed by our cross-country route. I am delighted to be included in Vickey's trekking club. And I am delighted to have Vickey's guidance when hiking in truly scary places -- like the Mall.

Submitted by Bruce Newell

Vickey and I have this reputation of staying up all night talking and laughing at ALA. We couldn't help ourselves since usually it had been several months or a year since we had seen each other. So much to talk about...The conference, our work lives, our personal lives, dreams, stories about our kids and husbands...that lasted until 3 or 4 in the morning.

After that, the laughing would begin... Dorothy Potter once shared a room with us and vowed that she would never do it again! The word got around and then no one would share our room. Just Vickey and me...laughing until dawn.

Submitted by Mary Ann Laun
maryannlaun@yahoo.com