Russell Thomas Johnson (April 25, 1969 - October 6, 2009) Son of Tom Bonow; brother of Denelle Hevron, Matt (Tiffany) Bonow and Luke Bonow. Also survived by numerous nephews and many friends. A celebration of Russell's life will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bullock Colonial Chapel. Friends who wish may make memorial donations to the Russell Johnson Memorial Fund c/o Bullock Mortuary, 1375 E. Hampden Avenue, Englewood, CO 80113
Russ Johnson
10-07-2009/10-08-2009 TALKER RUSS JOHNSON DIES The news that former KCMO/KMBZ talk show host Russ Johnson, 40, has died has stunned the broadcasting community in Kansas City. Initial reports suggested it was due to an apparent suicide and that has been confirmed by Denver's Westwood publication. According to a close friend the divorced Johnson had MS, financial problems and was unemployed. Based on the feedback from former co-workers Johnson seemed to be both brilliant and flawed. He was extremely talented, but somehow managed to go too far and force management to take action. "Today, I am saddened by the death of former KMBZ/KCMO colleague Russ Johnson," former news anchor/reporterScott Simon told Bottom Line. "Russ climbed the ladder perfectly, he had a great gig at KOA in Denver. I felt he could be an icon like the late Jim White was for years at KMOX, St. Louis. "But Russ loved KC, came back to KMBZ and sometimes you get knocked off the career ladder. He did the right things as a talk show host and still it wasn't enough to make some people happy. Russ was the person you could love and hate at the same time. "Because of that, he was a talent that unfortunately was derailed by the lame management virus that has infested broadcasting. Events like Russ' firing at KMBZ is just one reason why I don't, or won't work in broadcasting. Rest in peace Russ, I will miss you."
Tom Becka, KFAB, Omaha: "Russ and I were co-workers and competitors at the same time.That was the culture at Entercom back then. Russ was a very talented talk show host. After he moved back to Colorado I had him on my show in Omaha as a guest.We lost touch over the last 2 years.But I hope he has found peace and happiness."
John Turk, Producer at 760AM in Denver: "It's hard to speculate" about his reasons. "There were some notes, but he didn't say. He had MS, which was rapidly progressing, and then he had a divorce in the last couple of years, and some financial problems, as well -- and he was out of work. I just think the whole world caved in on him."
Matt Elder on Gatewaycityradio.com: "Russ was the most brilliant broadcaster I�ve ever been around, and I say that despite being driven to a near nervous breakdown the last few weeks I�d worked with him. Russ could be charming, insecure, VERY funny, and downright vengeful."
Scott Parks, co-host Shanin-Parks Show on KMBZ: "Russ was a friend of mine. I knew him for nearly two decades and I am stunned by his death -- and the manner by which it came about. "Say what you will about Russ...and I know there are many who will say you either loved him or you hated him. Russ, at least to me, was a terrific person. Misunderstood? Hell, yes. Underappreciated? You bet. Misguided? Yes, again. Short-tempered? Yep. But Russ Johnson was a good man who meant well...and I will sleep tonight remembering all the laughs we had and the fun times we enjoyed. "Russ....only you could be behind the times and ahead of your time at the same time. What a contradiction. God Bless You. See you in Heaven."
Scott Voorhees, KFAB, Omaha: "Yes, Russ was a friend of mine, and I was saddened to hear yesterday that he's gone.I was not shocked, though, to hear of his suicide.The guy had extreme emotions.While those unhinged qualities made him a good talk radio host, they also made him his own worst enemy."
George Woods, former talk show host and now of www.radiogeorge.com: "I only met Russ once and my impression was that he was a likable guy. I thought he seemed a little abrasive on the air, yet had a truly compelling style that kept you listening, whether you agreed with him or not. I know he liked Kansas City, but my gut feeling was that he was not a good fit here. "I always thought he had a real shot at becoming a nationally-syndicated talk show host. I'm sorry to hear about his death."
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