03/29/2025
https://www.ronaldvhall.com/obituary/John-Ladson
In March of 2023 my friend, Pierce Owings, asked if he could bring someone to personal training. That week I met Johnny and for the next two years I’d see him twice a week. My first impression was that he took notice of a person's being. Of over 1000's of training sessions in my life, Johnny was the only one to notice my favorite T-shirt (lucha como una chica) and comment on it with humor. His appreciation for my exercise program caused him to start inviting people to join us and over the course of those two years he invited at least 15-20 people. He invited coworkers, neighbors, friends & anyone he thought would like our style of exercise. He also brought his sense of humor, his ability to listen, and his aptitude to connect each of us in meaningful ways.
He was the same way when he found out about the non-profit program, Urban Community Life, that my wife and I started in 2007. As soon as his schedule allowed he made the trip out to our farm program, UCLife Organic Farm & Urban Youth Agricultural Training Center, to meet our sons & to see what we were up to. It's uncommon to have people drive the two hours to see our farm program. When Johnny made that trek I was so surprised that all I could say was, "what are you doing here?" It wasn't like, how dare you visit, but, I'm so shocked that you care enough to show up, why?
He was a supportive, encouraging, and full of care friend. Johnny was my friend.
Meeting twice a week, you get to know one another pretty well. We had conversations about plants, exercise/health, spirituality, recovery, the issues of race in America…and who made the best frozen pizza. Most of all he talked about his children and his wife.
Johnny cared. He cared about what was going on in my personal life & in our non-profit. He cared about how my wife and boys were doing. He cared about me and if I was getting enough sleep as I juggled my daily responsibilities. He cared about bringing to others what he found worthwhile. He cared about each person he invited and had insight into who they were. Before a new person joined us he would text me a small rundown, not just exercise related, but also personality related. As our nonprofit began building a new multipurpose bunkhouse for our program Johnny was right there by my side, agreeing to sit on our board of directors. If I hit a speed bump in the building process He would have a suggestion by the end of the day.
That's the kind of care Johnny had.
I cannot express how much Johnny's friendship meant. I am heartbroken at the news of his passing. I still cannot wrap my head around not seeing him walk through that door. He was an incredible encourager- as a friend, within my personal training business, and as a supporter of our ministry. He was responsible for bringing many people together through the gym and he will be deeply missed by all of us. He would often text others in the group to check on them and spur them into exercise. Every training session he had a kind, caring attitude towards each of us and always said "how are you doing my friend?" He always showed care, concern and humor. (The past year I started growing my hair long in a pseudo midlife crisis...and he started calling me Rusty Garcia) The last week I saw Johnny gives a little insight into who he was. That Monday I could tell he was not wanting to be there but he showed up because he had invited another friend to join us. When that friend didn't show up Johnny decided to head back home. He sent me a text as he drove off saying his heart wasn't in it that morning, he had received some tough news. I texted back asking if there was anything I could do, maybe get lunch. His reply was, "not today, Rusty, but thank you. You're kind and I appreciate it."
That was Johnny. Showing up for a friend. Appreciating another's concern in the midst of his own tough morning.
May you rest in peace, Johnny. Thank you for your care. We'll miss you!
Lucha como una chica!
