a man and two children sitting at a table
a man and woman standing next to each other
a woman holding a baby next to an older man
three people standing next to each other in front of a window
a group of people standing next to each other
two people sitting next to each other at a table

Robert H. “Bobby” Johnson (1947- 2024)

A child of the Jones Falls headwaters, Bobby Johnson was one of the loudest voices and most effective organizers for the protection and restoration of Baltimore’s waterways. He is deeply missed by the staff, volunteers, and friends of Blue Water Baltimore. 

Bobby tirelessly supported the advancement of clean water, first through his service as the President of the Jones Falls Watershed Association, and later as a critical force throughout the merger of the five watershed organizations that came together to form Blue Water Baltimore in 2010 and 2011. He recruited dozens of volunteers and board members to join him, exponentially growing the clean water movement. 

Bobby’s legacy included exemplary board leadership and committee service, volunteering hundreds of hours at events and the Herring Run Nursery, and being a strong champion for the staff of the organization. In his last years, he stayed up to date with the staff and volunteers of Blue Water Baltimore from home, collaborating on the creation of the Salamander Society for planned giving, and continuing to support the work as a donor and cheerleader. 

Bobby Johnson was first and foremost a winning coach. He led, and forced the issue, when needed. He listened to team members and could take no for an answer. He recruited young people and helped them launch environmental careers. He recruited senior citizens, like me. He guided us to be our best selves. He connected people with our waterways. He paid attention to all.

Carlton Sexton, BWB Board Member

Bobby exemplified the kind of leadership our movements need: humility, honesty, humor, and deep love. His friendship was never half-baked, and his commitment never waned. I feel so fortunate to have had him in my life, even briefly.

Leanna Frick, former BWB Staff Member

In preparing to say goodbye, Bobby asked that donations be made to the organizations that meant the most to him, including Blue Water Baltimore. 

You can help continue Bobby’s legacy by making a gift below, and can choose to include a memory or message to be added to this memorial page. You can also explore the Salamander Society to join his legacy with your own planned gift.

Make a donation

In addition to Blue Water Baltimore, Bobby requested support be directed to the Irvine Nature Center and the International Rhett Syndrome Foundation. We invite you to learn more about what Bobby loved at those links.