Former United States Trotting Association director Art Johnson passed away on February 15 with his three children (Roy, Tom and Shauna) at his bedside.
At one time or another, Johnson served as general manager or president at Sunland Park Racetrack, Ruidoso Downs, The Downs at Santa Fe, Turf Paradise in Arizona and Pocono Downs in Pennsylvania. Under his direction, all tracks were termed successful.
He was elected to the USTA Board of Directors in 1986 and served for one year.
Johnson started his horse racing career as grounds superintendent at Le Mesa Park in Raton, N.M., after graduating from New Mexico Highlands University and serving three years in the United States Navy. He quickly rose in the ranks and when Sunland Park Racetrack opened in 1959 he was hired as the track’s very first comptroller.
A friendly man by nature, he befriended grooms, trainers and owners and became known as a horseman’s horseman.
Among his accomplishments, he avoided an international incident by coming to terms with Juarez Racetrack, instituted simulcast betting in New Mexico and together with Tony Salerno, his son-in-law, brought Pocono Downs out of bankruptcy and made it a booming racing/casino operation.
Johnson’s philosophy, which he passed on to his son-in-law, was simple: Always be fair.
In addition to his children, Johnson is survived by seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Shan, in 2009.
A celebration of his life will be held Friday (February 20) at 11 a.m. at Hillcrest West Funeral Home, 5054 Doniphan Drive. The public is invited.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Art Johnson.
(USTA)