Meet Dave “Old School” Johnson!
Enjoy our new segment in the Weekly Grind so you can meet and learn more about our fighters! This week, meet Dave “Old School” Johnson!
When were you diagnosed with Parkinson’s?
I was diagnosed with PD on January 23, 2020.
When did you start coming to 110 Fitness?
My first day Boxing at 110 Fitness was June 19, 2021.
What’s your favorite class or activity at 110?
My favorite activity is the American Legion Post 35 “Hit the Beach!” day of surfing at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. Pete Carlson and I have surfed the last three years. It is such a well run event where the volunteers go above and beyond to make sure that every disabled person who signs up surfs. An extraordinary day!
What do(did) you do for work?
I worked for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as a Wildlife Manager for over 31 years. I spent 19 years as the Assistant Manager of the 40,000 acre Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Area (WMA) where I was in charge of forest habitat management that benefitted species like ruffed grouse, deer, bear, waterfowl and fur bearers. The last 12 years I was the Area Wildlife Manager for Pine County (East-Central Minnesota).
What would you like us to know about you and your family?
During the 19 years I worked at the Mille Lacs WMA, Molly, our two young kids and I owned a 20 acre “hobby farm” in rural Minnesota. I had a small herd of grass fed beef cattle, a few pigs, laying hens and raised and processed 25-30 chickens each summer. There was some hard work, like fencing off the pasture for rotational grazing, putting up hay in the summer and storing it until winter (and more). I really enjoyed the time we had on the hobby farm, raising livestock and fowl for consumption knowing the meat was not compromised from the use of growth hormones, antibiotics and more. Lastly I’m the type that prefers to fly low and stay off the radar screen. I do enjoy telling a joke or making a humorous comment to make someone laugh and put a smile on a face.
Any fun hobbies you’d like to share?
I have enjoyed my time hunting big game and waterfowl. My favorite has been hunting upland game birds over my bird dog River. I enjoy fly fishing and continue my quest of surf casting for a striped bass. I enjoy wood carving, wood turning where I make baseball bats and have recently completed carving a very modest walking stick.
How has 110 Fitness impacted your life outside of the gym?
I can’t say enough on how 110 Fitness has been a very big part of my learning how and now living my best life with PD. It’s such a comprehensive program that provides so much if “you just show up”!!! A sincere Thank You to Brett and his staff. I feel very fortunate to be a part of 110 Fitness.