Robert Hugh Johnson

Robert Hugh Johnson, born November 5, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, passed away on October 2, 2024 surrounded by his children. He was 77. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jana Lou Johnson (nee Grosky), who died earlier this year. He is survived by his daughters Shellie Johnson (Daniel Kaminski) and Trisha Macdonald (Peter), his son Hugh Johnson (Sarah), and his grandchildren Walter and Edith Johnson and Beatrice and Louisa Macdonald. He was the son of the late John and Dorothy (nee McPhail) Johnson, and brother to the late John Johnson Jr.

Bob attended high school at Salesian Catholic in Detroit, Michigan. He served in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret paratrooper reaching the rank of captain and receiving the bronze star medal for meritorious service. After completing his military service in 1971, he attended Michigan State University, graduating from the School of Hospitality Business where he was later named to the alumni hall of fame.

Shortly after graduating from college, Bob began his long and successful career with ClubCorp. He started at the Metropolitan Club in Chicago, moved to Lexington, KY to become the manager of the Lafayette Club, opened the Renaissance Club in Detroit, and went on to become a Regional Manager, Club Development Officer, Executive Vice President and President, based out of ClubCorp’s headquarters in Dallas, TX. Throughout Bob’s 20+ year career, he led the company through its most critical stages of growth and success, including ClubCorp’s foray into the resort business and international clubs. Bob mentored hundreds of employee partners, set high expectations for himself and everyone on his team, and built a brand which became the largest, most successful and most revered in the industry. As remarked by his colleagues, they considered Bob the epitome of what a boss should be and the very best friend to everyone who ever met him.

While the perks of his work allowed him to dine and lodge in some of the world’s finest establishments, Bob never forgot the simpler things in life —like camping and a good home-cooked meal. He spent many a summer week camping on the shores of Lake Michigan with good friends and family. Bob also took up cooking after the family’s move to Texas and became an excellent chef who loved enlisting his children and his grandchildren as sous-chefs, and lingering around the table for long Sunday dinners.

Encouraged by his wife Jana, Bob became a cross-country ski enthusiast, taking advantage of the long Michigan winters to find some great local ski trails and, after moving to Texas, traveling frequently with Jana to Montana and further afield to chase great snow and beautiful sceneries.

Bob will be most well remembered for his dedication to family, friends and work, but those who saw him on the dance floor will never forget how he could dance. He won dance competitions while in his teens and went on to light up dance floors with his wife Jana as his partner in life and dance. His love of family, dance, and music are a result of his upbringing in a large family in Michigan that came together regularly and where gatherings oftentimes included lots of music.

A private event celebrating Bob’s life, and that of his wife Jana’s, will be held in Detroit in January.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob’s name can be made to the Penn Medicine Hospice, 150 Monument Rd., #600, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.