Don Johnson lived for the moment. He often said titles were not his main motivation but rather having the opportunity to win while needing three strikes in the tenth to win by one pin was as important to him than anything. Don relished the thrill of the clutch performance and had more flair and pinache than any player in the history of the PBA.
As a fellow man, he had a kind heart, never spoke badly about anyone, cared more about his family than himself, was a loyal and true friend who would do anything to help another, and would always encourage everyone to believe in themselves and try and attain the most out of everything they do in life. If you are a pro bowler, you never had a better fan than Don Johnson—never! Don videotaped every pro bowlers' telecast—men and women—since the time of his retirement. His video library rivals the tours themselves. He was a true student of the game and always tried to think contemporary about the ever-evolving sport of bowling.
When the tour was in its infancy, TV shows were in black and white and most every player approached the game very conservatively—except Don Johnson. Don was the first and perhaps the truest "Riverboat Gambler"-style bowler who would try anything to overcome a challenging lane condition, no matter what was on the line. Don never sold out as a player, worked as hard as anyone at reaching his true potential, believed in the three D's (Desire, Determination, and Dedication), and brought a passion and colorfulness to the lanes unlike any of his contemporaries.
In today's cruel world of professional bowling, players are encouraged to be controversial and undignified, if necessary, to achieve high TV ratings. When Don Johnson was king, he created excitement with his bowling ball—not his antics. He was as feared a player as any, and if you had to bowl him for the title, you were not the favorite to win!
Don Johnson single-handedly brought Columbia Industries, a fledgling bowling ball manufacturer, to prominence with his prolific performances on the lanes and revolutionized the approach to using bowling balls as tools of the trade. He was as gracious a loser as he was as a champion, and he always encouraged his fellow competitors to excel. Don Johnson is in the elite class of the Professional Bowlers Association Hall of Fame.
When Don Johnson was in his prime bowling years, at almost every tournament you would hear from the crowd a recognizeable chant of "Come on Koko!" and "The Kokomo Kid" almost always delivered. On his final day on earth when our Heavenly Father echoed the same request, "Come on Koko," Don Johnson did exactly what was expected of a great champion: He delivered for the final time.
I will always love Don Johnson. It has been a privilege to have been his friend, and I am a better man for it.
Editor's Note: Former touring pro Rich Carrubba is currently employed by Storm Products.