Date: 3/26/26 6:27 am From: timothy.barksdale <timothy.barksdale...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Some sad news to share
Dear Friends,
I spoke with Ann on the 18th for about 15 minutes; she seemed more tired
than usual.
She was beginning to plan her "retirement" and a move to the Phoenix area
with her son.
Ann always seemed to be part "Elvish" because of her wonderful sense of
humor. We often had coffee at various locations in the Des Moines area as I
passed through on my way to the north or on my way back. Long birding
stories and discussions of one rarity or another were always a part of the
visit. Plans for future endeavors too.
Besides the fact that she was a good solidly skilled birder, I always
admired her ability to take on a new task. She was not a youngster when she
decided to learn coding to develop websites. Then she decided to form her
own "server farm" last year. !! Wow. That is both- bold and courageous.
Many birding groups will have to find new wings because of her departure.
I'm sure others can expand on her fine points.
Her spirit is with the Eskimo Curlews and Ivory-bills now and I will miss
our coffee's and her friendship.
Tim Barksdale
Choteau, MT
Mokane, MO
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 1:57:18 PM UTC-5 John Bissell wrote:
> Iowa Birders,
>
> I received word this morning that the IOU’s beloved Ann Johnson passed
> away March 23. Countless Iowa birders have known “AJ” for years, and she’s
> been a wonderful ambassador for the IOU long before I became a member in
> 2002.
>
>
>
> I don’t know any specific details about funeral arrangements, but here is
> her obituary. https://www.overtonfunerals.com/obituaries/ann-johnson >
>
>
> Thank you
>
>
>
> John Bissell
>
> Grimes
>
>
>
> *John Bissell, AIC*
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