Sam Johnson, Longtime SMWD Director, Dies at 66

Las Flores, CA (February 18, 2008) – Santa Margarita Water District Director Sam Johnson died Friday, February 15th at home, succumbing to heart-related problems. He was 66.

Johnson was elected to the SMWD Board of Directors in 1996. His 11-year tenure on the Board included two terms as president. He was most recently selected by his fellow board members to serve his second term as president for 2008.

“SMWD and the water industry have lost a true champion for safe and reliable water,” said John Schatz, SMWD general manager. “Sam was a tremendous public servant who always had the best interest of our District’s customers at heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

Johnson’s current term on the SMWD board would have expired this December. The SMWD Board now has 60 days to appoint an interim board member to finish out Johnson’s term. If the Board does not appoint an interim board member, the Orange County Board of Supervisors will then become responsible for the appointment. However, a full-term director will be voted on by the public in the November general election.

Johnson had an affinity for public service and was a public works director for numerous municipalities for more than 30 years. He retired in 1996, but continued as a construction management consultant for an engineering firm for seven more years.

For more than 25 years, Johnson was a member of the American Water Works Association, Orange County Water Association, American Society of Civil Engineers and American Public Works Association. He achieved Life Member status for these organizations. He was also a member of the Water Environment Federation and represented SMWD on the Santiago Aqueduct Authority.

Johnson is survived by his wife Letty; daughter Amy; son-in-law Michael; and grandson Michael. He and his wife lived in Mission Viejo.

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