Obituary of M. Ross Johnson PhD

M. Ross Johnson, PhD, 71, passed away at his home in Chapel Hill on October 17, 2016. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 27, 1944, the son of the late Hilmar C. Johnson and Beulah McMann Johnson. He received his B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley in 1967 and a Ph.D. degree in organic chemistry from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1970. Dr. Johnson was an internationally renowned medicinal chemist and expert in drug design and drug discovery who has had a long and productive career as an inventor, discoverer, executive and entrepreneur in the Pharmaceutical and Biotech industries. He was most recently Co-Chairman and Co-Founder of Parion Sciences, a development stage company dedicated to research, development, and commercialization of Dry Eye disease and Cystic Fibrosis. From 1995-1999 he was President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer of Trimeris, Inc. From 1987-1994 he was Vice President of Chemistry at Glaxo Inc. where he was part of the original scientific founding team for Glaxo's research entry in the United States. Dr. Johnson served in key scientific and research management positions with Pfizer Central Research from 1971-1987. In 1989, as recognition for his contributions and influence in solving problems of mutual interest in government, academia and industry, Dr. Johnson was named the first ever "Distinguished Research Fellow" in the Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health. For his many notable achievements, Dr. Johnson was inducted into the Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame on August 29, 2011. This honor was awarded for his many discoveries and exemplary service to the Division of Medicinal Chemistry, the American Chemical Society and the field of medicinal chemistry through outstanding research, mentorship and service. In 2012 he was nominated by the Organic Division and named a Fellow of the American Chemical Society. On behalf of Parion Sciences, Dr. Johnson accepted the 2014 Tibbetts Award at a White House ceremony on June 16, 2014 in Washington, D.C. His support of education has always been apparent through his service on advisory boards and fellowships given to the University of California at Berkley, University of California at Santa Barbara and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Johnson served on the Advisory Board of the Chemistry Department of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Graduate Education Advisory Board of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the Board of Visitors of the Eshelman School of Pharmacy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ross is survived by his wife, Charlotte; sons Michael and wife, Andie; Gregory and wife, Teresa; brother David and wife, Rebecca. He has six amazing and wonderful grandchildren - Mack, Macy Lee, Sophia, Becca, Lottie, and Ella Cate. A memorial service and celebration of Dr. Johnson's life will be held at 4:00 P.M., on Sunday, October 23, 2016 at the Clubhouse at the Governor's Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Ct. 255 Hempstead St. New London, Ct 06320, or a charity of your choice. Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is honored to serve the Johnson family. Online condolences may be offered at www.walkersfuneralservice.com.