Tributes pour in for generous millionaire Paul Johnson, dead at 86

Tributes are pouring in for an insurance industry pioneer who gave away $50 millionto help pay for trails, tourism sites and a train museum.

• Newfoundland businessman, philanthropist Paul Johnson dies at 86

"He was a very thoughtful man, he wasn't somebody who wanted to lead the parade," is how landscape architect Neil Dawe describedhis mentor, Paul Johnson.

Dawe worked forJohnson on the Grand Concourse Authority, which built atrail system from downtown St. John's to Holyrood.He said Johnson became a "father figure," and taught him life lessons.

"One of the first things he taught me is that it wasn't luck, it wasn't intellect. It was hard work and persistence."

Liked to listen, not talk

Dawe, whonow runs his own business, said he still thinks about Johnson's rules.

"Don't create heatnever finish a meeting without shaking the hand of everybody in the roomit's better to listen than to talk," said Dawe.

"He taught me as well to stick to your guns, but don't be rigid."

Dawe said it took 13 years to come up with a master plan for theGrand Concourse Authoritybecause the concept was so big. He said Johnson worked on demonstration projects for Signal Hill and Memorial University, andcame up with the idea of history boards and story boards that line the trail system.

Johnson's investment in what Dawe called "signature assets" such as Harbourside Park, the Johnson Geo Centre and the Railway Coastal Museum reflect his love of the province and its history.

"He was like a dog with a bone," said Dawe."He had a vision."

Johnson also worked long hours. Dawe said, often sendingfaxes at 4 a.m.

"What he's given this city is quite phenomenal," he said."Mr. Johnson through the creation of the Grand Concourse has done a lot to attach people to community, to make them love where they live a little bit more."

'He expanded your sense of the possible.'

Shannie Duff, who was the city's representative on the Grand Concourse Authority, said Johnson had not onlyimagination and the ability to get things done, he had the generosity.

"He was the greatest civic-minded businessman of our generation, in my opinion." said Duff."He not only had the vision, but put time and money into making themhappen."

Duff was involved with the St. John's Heritage Foundation when she first worked with Johnson in the 1980s on a project to restore downtown houses.

She said he was "hands-on, very committed,"and had a creative way of putting together partnerships.

"He had the level of genius to see something and imagine what it can be," said Duff."Working with him expanded your sense of the possible."

Kind, patient, personable

Boyd Holloway, who said he produced artwork and signagefor the Railway Coastal Museum, wrote in response to a CBC story that Johnson was "a true gentleman, who treated ordinary people with respect and dignity. As an artist, I appreciated his keen eye for detail; he knew what he liked, but was kind, patient and personable in making known his wishes."

St. John's city hall has lowered its flag, and councillorsheld a minute of silencefor Johnson at theirmeeting Tuesday. A statement from council describedJohnson as "unassuming, energetic and innovative."

The council statement saidJohnson loved the city and his province. "Both are much better off today because of his life and generosity."