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Phi Delta Theta brothers are reaching out to help the longtime fraternity house cook.
Richard Johnson was forced to retire last year to undergo treatment of Stage III stomach cancer.
Matt Neumeyer, Mgt 03, is in charge of a fundraising effort to generate $15,000 from fraternity members to help offset Johnson's medical expenses.
Phi Delta Theta members shared stories of their beloved cook during a tribute dinner for him last fall at the Wardlaw Center on campus.
"Everyone had different memories of our favorite storytelling chef," said Neumeyer. "Many spoke of the little things Richard did for them, like stocking the 24-hour kitchen or coming up with the idea for late plates. The common theme was that no matter how down you were from getting the shaft at Ma Tech, Richard was a constant in the kitchen. He was always positive and brought stability to a volatile group of college guys."
Bird Blitch, IE 97, remembered the perfectly marinated, seasoned and grilled hamburgers. "He is a master at cooking anything on the grill.
"He is about as good of a person as there is to know," Blitch said. "He guided us through many tough years at Georgia Tech. He took care of us in so many ways. Everyone loves him for all the care he selflessly gave us as undergraduates."
Blitch said Johnson never forgets a fraternity brother. "He remembers everybody's names and everybody's spouse's name. My wife got a birthday card from him. I have absolutely no idea how he found out when her birthday was."
Johnson could be counted on to provide a meal long after the dinner hour. "He was always there early and always there late," Blitch said.
Matt Samuelson, CE 95, calculated that Johnson had influenced 250 young men, poured 5,900 gallons of ranch dressing and prepared 250,000 meals over the years.
"He's just one of those joyous human beings," said Samuelson, who recalled Johnson always wearing a white chef's jacket embroidered with his name.
For information on contributing to a fund established in Johnson's name, e-mail Neumeyer at Matt.Neumeyer@fairfieldmortgage.com.
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