DECEASED ALUM:  ROBERT C. JOHNSON, FHHS '77

CHARLESTON, SC - Robert was born in Iowa City, IA, the son of Donald E. and Mary Jean Johnson, one of ten children. He graduated from Fort Hunt High School in Alexandria, VA in 1977, and from the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY in 1979. According to Robert's fellow colleagues, he was considered a pioneer and someone way before his time. Robert is credited to playing a major role as the chef that put "Charleston Cuisine" on the map. Robert took an approach of pairing and contrast to seafood, which no one at the time had ever experienced, thinking outside the box of your ordinary fried seafood basket.

Robert wasn't just all about making great food, but contributing economically to the local community, by introducing the fishermen, farmers, and vendors to other chefs and restaurants. Robert was extremely passionate about Charleston's coastal regions, waters and wildlife, which he took full advantage of. He would spend every spare moment with his kids, by taking them to beach, cooking out with kids and grandchildren, and going to the shooting range.

One of Robert's greatest pleasures was just simply being out and breathing in the ocean breeze, part of life we take for granted. Roberts's accomplishments include: Executive Chef of Rusty Rudder Dewey Beach, DE,( voted as one of the top 25 places to eat in the nation); Corporate Executive Chef of Carolinas, the Privateer, Colony House, and Wine Cellar Charleston SC, (the Privateer being the most profitable restaurant in SC at the time); Owner and Executive Chef of Marker 350 Myrtle Beach, SC (bringing Low country and "Charleston Cuisine" to the area).

Robert is survived by his sons Matthew (Allie) and Eric (Randi) and daughter Sarah (Chris), all of Charleston, SC; grandchildren Jacob, Annabelle, Colt, and soon-to-arrive Connor; former spouse Gina of Charleston, SC; mother Mary Jean Johnson of Fredericksburg, VA; and other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his daughter Hillary of Charleston, SC and his father, Donald E. Johnson of Fredericksburg, VA. Graveside services will held at 1:00pm on Saturday, October 20, 2012, at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road, James Island, Charleston, SC. Arrangements are by Simplicity of North Charleston, SC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) at www.musc.edu. A memorial fund will also be established; contact the family for additional information. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston
 

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Oct. 12 to Oct. 13, 2012.

- Our thanks to Brian Matson, FHHS '77 for letting us know...