Chicago Remembers Longtime Journalist Dick Johnson

When heartbreaking news broke Tuesday of NBC 5 anchor Dick Johnson's sudden passing, friends and colleagues quickly took to social media to remember the longtime Chicago journalist. See some of their posts below.

NBC5’s Dick Johnson was the best kind of newsman. Smart, thorough, nimble when deadlines were crashing around him. No cliches. Just facts, fairness, and great writing. And he was funny! What a loss to all who knew him. But especially to his loving family.#DickJohnson
— Carol Marin (@CarolMarin) June 9, 2020

Our newsroom is heartbroken. Dick Johnson loved it all - curious, fantastic story teller, and a kind colleague. There are tears for his loss, knowing Dick was the real deal; mentor to so many, a news soldier. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/2HpmBS6mTv
— Mary Ann Ahern (@MaryAnnAhernNBC) June 9, 2020

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I’m so overcome with grief, shock and sadness...my buddy DJ-one of the kindest, sweetest, most supportive human beings I’ve ever met has passed. @nbcchicago and this city have lost a legend...we have lost a friend and his loving wife and children have lost so much more! #RIP

A post shared by SIAFA LEWIS (@siafalewisnbc) on Jun 9, 2020 at 1:03pm PDT

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I cannot express the shock and sadness we at @nbcchicago are feeling. Dick Johnson was such a kind, smart, talented soul. He was always willing to talk and lend advice. I saved so many of his scripts that he’d send out to the newsroom and re-read them and learn from the BEST. He was a phenomenal storyteller. DJ, our newsroom will not be the same without you. My heart is with his beautiful family ❤️

A post shared by Katie Kim (@nbc5katie) on Jun 9, 2020 at 4:25pm PDT

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A sad day for us @nbcchicago. Dick was an incredible journalist, but even more than that, he was a kind man. We’ll miss your booming presence in the newsroom.

A post shared by Lisa Chavarria (@lisachavarriatv) on Jun 9, 2020 at 3:38pm PDT

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I am heartbroken.... 💔 Such sad news coming out of our newsroom - our friend Dick Johnson passed away this morning. . This one hurts... he was an AMAZING person, friend and mentor to me. . Working with him was a joy! He was such a kind man, always made me laugh, and we had so much fun with our banter when he would toss to weather. His office was close to mine so there have been MANY times I would stroll over and have long talks with him...asking for advice, he’d come to my office to watch football or we would just talk about nonsense!! He was the BEST! 💞💞 . Please keep his wife and family in your prayers We will miss you, Deej 😢❤️

A post shared by Alicia Roman (@aliciaromannbc) on Jun 9, 2020 at 4:20pm PDT

My heart is broken. Dick Johnson was my co-anchor & mentor, but he was also an amazing friend. He supported me in good times & bad. His heart was bigger than most people knew. My dad told me today to feel blessed for the time I got to spend with him. I am beyond thankful. pic.twitter.com/5kGb9JaBAa
— Lauren Jiggetts (@laurenjiggetts) June 9, 2020

I’m shocked and saddened by new of the death of NBC’s Dick Johnson. A great reporter and anchor and even better human being.
Condolences to his family. https://t.co/wEda1WXyiC
— DeanRichards (@DeanRichards) June 9, 2020

We’re in mourning here at @nbcchicago over the passing of Dick Johnson. He was a fantastic journalist and writer, but an even better friend and mentor to so many of us. Rest In Peace https://t.co/4rm7kXkb7H
— Patrick Fazio (@PatrickFazio) June 9, 2020

It's a heartbreaking day for the @nbcchicago family. Dick Johnson was the kindest soul. Always smiling, always laughing, always encouraging. And damn good at his job.

Sharing the desk with DJ on weekends is an opportunity I'll forever cherish. RIP to a special person and friend.
— Mike Berman (@MikeBermanNBC) June 9, 2020

When I got to channel 5 in 2011, I was completely green. Dick Johnson went out of his way to make me feel welcomed. He was a brilliant journalist. He was a wonderfully generous man. He was my friend and I will miss him very much.
— Laurence Holmes (@LaurenceWHolmes) June 9, 2020

.@djnbc5 always made time to guide us “newcomers” at @nbcchicago . He was dedicated to journalism, smart, funny & that smile. In the 5 yrs we worked together my fav memories =dinner between shows at Bandera, where Dick told great stories.Thinking about his family tonight. RIP DJ pic.twitter.com/44ynQ5bbl1
— Ginger Zee (@Ginger_Zee) June 10, 2020