MADISON (WKOW) -- The Madison community is mourning the sudden loss of longtime Boys & Girls Clubs leader Michael Johnson. As thousands share stories of his impact, his family says the man people knew in public was the same person they knew at home.

Sherwin Whitaker is the brother of Johnson's wife, Toya. He has known Johnson since his early teens, when they met in Chicago.

"Mike pulls up in a double-wide van with an airbrushed picture of himself on it," Whitaker said. "When he started talking, we knew that he was a special dude."

After joining the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, Whitaker says Johnson fell in love with the community and the people he served.

"Between him and my sister, I just had role models, I had people to really look up to that were close, that I could ask the tough questions, and that changed my life," Whitaker said.

Whitaker says Johnson made Madison his home and knew he had people on his side where he could make an impact.

"I know that the loss that I'm feeling is tough and horrific, but there are going to be some other people in Madison that are going to be feeling it just like we're feeling it," Whitaker said. "Mike would bust down the door and say, 'I heard there was some inequity over here. What's going on? Can we help? How can I help?'"

For community activist Wanda Smith, Johnson invested in young people and pushed others to do the same.

"Him just sharing his testimony about coming from the hood and where God had brought him to today, and letting the kids know that you could be another Michael Johnson as well," Smith said.

People and communities across the county are mourning Johnson's passing.

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway writes, in part, "This is an immeasurable loss for our entire community. Michael's generosity and inspiring work have made Madison a better place. He had seemingly endless energy, a relentless positive attitude, and was always willing to lend his time and talents to help solve our community's problems."

Rep. Sheila Stubbs met Johnson when he was hired to lead the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County. She says, "Mr. Johnson's work exemplified his commitment to children, youth and families, envisioning a community where everyone could reach their full potential. It was a privilege to be Mr. Johnson's friend; his loss is felt deeply in the community."

The United Way of Dane County has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County since 1998. A spokesperson for the group writes, in part, "We have seen firsthand the impact of Michael's leadership on the lives of countless community members, particularly youth and families."

Whitaker says Johnson's legacy matters to him and their family. He says they intend to continue to advance his legacy because that's what he lived for.

"It's just going to be tough moving on without him, but what a gift," Whitaker said.

More at WKOW 27 News

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