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IDRC was saddened to learn of the death of Fred Johnson, former executive director of the International Model Forest Network Secretariat (IMFNS) from 1996 until 2001. Mr Johnson passed away in Florida on March 15, 2007.

“Fred was an extraordinary person,” says Kafui Dansou, senior program officer at IDRC who worked with Mr Johnson at IMFNS. “It’s really he who launched the IMFNS and laid the groundwork that enabled the network to continue to grow in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. He was a remarkably intelligent manager, but knew how to remain approachable and attentive.”

Mr Johnson’s career path let him to a number of positions focused on forest products and industrial process development. An Honours BSc graduate of Lakehead University, Canada, he joined the federal government in 1973, serving in numerous positions relating to environmental regulation and industrial and business development. He also managed dossiers related to trade and international trade policy.

Mr Johnson is survived by his wife Eileen and son Paul.

2007-04

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