A Legacy

Of Critical Thought

To the Editor:

My friend Ruby Johnson left us all here in Newtown with a legacy of critical thought. Her recent passing reminds me of the importance of perseverance and participation in service to our community.

To some she was a civic visionary and activist, to others she was a troublemaker constantly questioning the status quo of town government. To me, she was both of those special things.

Those of us who knew her experienced firsthand her undying passion for trying to make living in Newtown a better place. Those of you who never had the chance to share a moment with her can experience what some of her wishes were by visiting the bucolic grounds of Fairfield Hills Municipal Campus. Her numerous writings in this very forum of letters to the editor illuminated us all to the well-intentioned and informed possibilities she envisioned.

Some of these ideas have already happened there with the help of concerned citizens and town officials. Unafraid of what others might have thought, she often presented an unselfish and well-researched opinion on what were some of the most important issues facing the town. I had the pleasure of working with Ruby and Ken over the years, and they had both provided inspiration to me and my family with their civic pride and willingness to organize their efforts when necessary to getting things done.

She frequently engaged residents and town officials formally and informally in a dialogue to find the best case scenario solutions to some of these issues. Rousing conversations of town matters were discussed over hot cups of tea in their Colonial-era home. After sharing some of her insightful ideas with me, she would say, “Enough about what I think, what are your thoughts.”

She was genuinely interested in the value of local public dialogue to solve critical town issues. Her thoughtful analysis of these issues was refreshing to hear as a respected voice in our community. Quietly and politely, she truly led by example, encouraging others to participate and let their voices be heard. It is my hope that some gesture of thanks to her for all her efforts be memorialized in a quiet contemplative area of the Fairfield Hills campus.

Our prayers and warm wishes go out to Ken, Joan, and Kelley Johnson. We will all miss Ruby’s insights. Thank you Ruby, for sharing your many thoughts with us all.

Warm and sunny regards,

Bob Eckenrode and Family

7 Wildcat Road, Newtown                                       February 18, 2012