MCPG executive director Johnson dies
Donna Johnson, executive director of the Montana Council on Problem Gambling, died Sept. 29 of complications from renal kidney cancer.
She was 67.
Johnson's career as a licensed professional began in 1991. Her duties as the executive director of the Montana Council on Problem Gambling (MCPG) began in 2000.
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Donna Johnson
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Council President Mark Kennedy said Johnson came on board in the Council's fledgling years, when she was first appointed to the board. In short time, she stepped into the role as executive director.
“She was an expert in her field, and it showed in her actions,” he said. “She had a pleasant, reassuring, warm smile that made you feel OK. Just the thing the Council needed to get us moving in the direction we needed to be going.”
“Over the years she nurtured the network of providers and counselors into a strong web across the state of Montana,” while working with an extremely tight budget, Kennedy said.
She was recognized nationally for her work with Council, he said, and was sought out by other states to share her knowledge in setting up a counseling program.
“Donna will be truly missed, but we as a board have dedicated ourselves to seeing that her mission is continued,” Kennedy said. “A legacy is not so much about the person that lived, but more about those who are left behind to honor and continue that legacy.”
Johnson “developed and nurtured” the services provided by the Montana Council on Problem Gambling, said Cyndi Breen, MCPG member and program manager of the state Licensed Addiction Counselors Program.
“She worked tirelessly and passionately at developing and providing services to those who suffered with gambling problems,” Breen said.
Johnson also sought to “inspire other professionals” to provide gambling recovery services by developing and offering state-of-the-art training opportunities.
Johnson was born Feb. 16, 1944, to Wilbur Johnson and Lucille Johnson on a farm 35 miles south of Wolf Point. She graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1962. She then went on to Concordia University, where she meet Ron Christianson and were married in 1964 and had three children.
Johnson also received a master's in psychology in 1985, which launched her career in the mental health field. In 1991 she married F. P. Bud Jensen and resided in Billings.
She was preceded in death by her son John Christianson, ex-husband Ron Christianson, and her parents.
Johnson is survived by her husband, Bud Jensen; children Rebecca Christianson and Sanjiv Bhardwaj, Brock and Heather Christianson, Charlotte and Art Dolezal, Kelly Jensen, Paul and June Jensen, and Gina and Steve Hunt; 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Johnson is also survived by her sisters Dayle and Allen Sandaker, Patty and Steven Berge, Jim and Linda Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.
Johnson enjoyed spending countless hours caring for her many dogs, including Elizabeth her Pon pup who ironically lost her battle to kidney disease earlier this year. Johnson also enjoyed technology and in her free time managed a website dedicated to her dogs at www.beardedcolliesandpons.com.
Services were held Oct. 8 at the Fort Peck Community Church. Memorials can be made to Johnson's charity of choice: Beardie Rescue, c/o Paul Glatzer, 10 Eden Drive, Smithtown, NY 11787.