Adam Johnson’s Remembrance of Life Ceremony
HIBBING, Minn. —
Thousands of people made their way to Hibbing for the Celebration of Life for Adam Johnson, the Hibbing native who died in a freak accident while playing hockey in England. Not only were there thousands of people on hand to witness the celebration in person, but more than 4000 computers were tuned into the YouTube live stream of the event.
It was a gloomy and dark day in Hibbing today as people gathered for the memorial of Adam Johnson at the Hibbing Memorial Arena, but once they were inside they heard wonderful stories about the man.
One of the first to speak was Kevin Moore, a teammate from England. He talked about how Adam went out of his way to treat everyone with respect and honor. “When Someone with Adam’s resume and accolades treats different types of people from different types of places with that type of character, it makes me really think of what the human spirit is capable of.”
There were many other touching and heartfelt remembrances including from his hometown. His high school coach Mark DeCenzo. “Unbelievable, we’re riding a roller coaster of emotions, frustration, joyful memories, sadness, anger and constantly asking all kinds of whys.”
The father of Neil Pionk talked about how he knew Adam through his son Neil who played with him at UMD. “He liked to be alone, but he wasn’t a loner,” said Scott Pionk. “Once he got warmed up, being around my kids and his friends, at the wedding we’ve been to, as soon as he walked in ‘Johnson’s here. Johnson what’s up, Adam’s here’ and the whole place got better just because he was here.”
Adam’s Fiance Ryan Wolf talked about how she will remember Adam. “You were my home, my best friend, my sounding board, my rock, my safe haven, and the love of my life. I’m never going to stop thinking of you and loving you until we can be together again. I love you. Thank you.”
It’s been a tough week for all of Adam’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches as well as for the hockey community of Hibbing and beyond. Now, they all may be able to begin their healing.
