In Memoriam
Kenneth Janovicek
Kenneth John Janovicek, research assistant in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph, passed away on June 23, 2023 at the age of 57. He was an ASA member for 23 years and was admired for his scientific insight and talents, especially in the area of data analysis, which significantly benefited the department’s cropping systems research program for over 30 years.
“Ken was cherished by so many of us for his friendly demeanor, his passion for Ontario agriculture, and probably most especially, for the easy way in which he could engage almost anyone in pleasant and thought‐provoking conversation,” says department chair, Hugh Earl. “He lived his life courageously, and he was an inspiration to all who knew him.”
Janovicek was born in Chatham, Ontario, the son of John Janovicek (Rosaland) and late Susan (Slavik) Janovicek. He could not fulfill his dreams of farming with his family, so he went on to complete his masters from the University of Guelph and spent the last three decades as a Plant Research Assistant. In his spare time, he enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden, sitting out back on a warm sunny day with his floppy hat and a cold Alexander Keith’s, and being kept up‐to‐date on the happenings of the family farm.
He was the loving brother of Nancy Janovicek (Martin) and Dennis Janovicek (Jenny), step‐brother of Michael Hanov and Lorraine Hanov (Andre), and uncle of Jewelya and Olivia. He is fondly remembered by the Smordin Family: Jay and Carol, Aaron and Clarissa, and Breann and Andrew and loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends, and colleagues.
Carl W. Johnson
Carl W. Johnson, 56‐year CSSA and ASA member, passed away on Apr. 17, 2023 with his family at his side. He was born at home near Mound Valley, KS. He was the only child of Harold M. and Mildred C. Johnson. At an early age, he began helping with farm work, including milking cows and harvesting grain. He attended Mound Valley public schools, graduating in 1960. He received B.S. (Kansas State University), M.S. (North Dakota State University), and Ph.D. (University of Nebraska–Lincoln) degrees in Agronomy. The emphasis areas of his Ph.D. were plant genetics and statistics. In the three years between his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, he was an officer in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps.
After receiving his Ph.D. degree in 1974, Johnson had a 34‐year career at the Rice Experiment Station at Biggs, CA for the California Cooperative Rice Research Foundation (CCRRF) where he was a highly successful rice breeder. He was instrumental in the release of 38 rice varieties to rice growers, including industry standards such as M‐202, M‐205, M‐206, and M‐208. He also had a major role in the releases of premium quality rice varieties and other germplasms. The research return to rice growers during his tenure at CCRRF is estimated to exceed $1 billion. He was recognized for his rice‐reeding work by receiving the Genetics and Plant Breeding Award from CSSA, the Distinguished Service in Agriculture award from Kansas State, awards from the California rice industry, and other awards. He retired in 2008.
Johnson met his wife Faye at the Lutheran Student Center at North Dakota State. They were married in 1968 while he was an officer in the army. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and friend. He was a humble man of kindness, integrity, compassion, intelligence, and honesty. He loved to talk, make people laugh, and was always interested in hearing other people’s stories. He cared deeply about people in the world as evidenced by his passion for improving quality and quantity in rice varieties. He led by example and emphasized the importance of hard work, lifelong friendships, and loyalty to what you believe in.
Johnson is survived by his wife Faye; their two daughters, Catherine and Brenda and their spouses; and five grandchildren.
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