Johnson named Paul Harris Fellow

Margo Johnson was presented with the 2019-2020 Paul Harris Foundation community leader recognition by the Rotary District 5080 Passport Club.

Standards for this non-Rotarian recognition are high and Margo is an ideal recipient. She gives tangible and significant assistance for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world as she finds solutions and serves with honor in multiples areas of the community.

Margo retired from her Modesto, Calif., banking job in 1994 and moved to Sandpoint with her husband, Bud. She entered Bonner General Health for a routine exam in 1998 and left as a member of the Auxiliary! The tale of service this remarkable woman has brought to the community has inspired many to think twice about their future paths.

Margo was nominated for the 2007 "Love" award by the Idaho Hospital Association, and was voted Bonner General Health Volunteer of the Year in 2010. In 2010 she was also honored as grand marshal in the Sandpoint Lion’s Fourth of July parade. In 2012, Margo was chosen by the Sandpoint Area Women Honoring Women Committee as a Woman of Wisdom. 

Service: Margo facilitated a major fundraiser as a member of the development committee for Idaho's Special Olympics, belonged to Kiwanis, and has been active in the Order of the Eastern Star. She remains active in the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce to share vital information with the Bonner General Auxiliary where she has served as a council officer for most of her membership, including five-plus years as president and chairman.

In 2011, Margo's vision helped restructure the Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary bylaws from four officers, to a group council, where many members serve as service chairs and liaisons between hospital department managers and the BGH Volunteer Council. She also introduced the Hospital Quality Control Committee to maximize joint efforts and increase volunteer presence in the hospital. Margo's leadership has shaped the organization into a place where men and women feel welcome. They bond together with purpose and skills for the good of the community.

Youth: Margo Johnson started the Bonner General "Junior Volunteer Program,” where youth can begin a variety of volunteer jobs at 14 year of age. They develop integrity and compassion while learning life and job skills. When an Auxiliary member passes, $25 is placed in an education fund that Margo set up for these junior volunteers; a gesture of how the Auxiliary member's memory is kept alive and honored. Margo remains a mentor to the youth involved in this program.

Neighborhood: Margo Johnson serves as chair of the Whiskey Jack Homeowners Association’s Architectural Control Committee. The community rules and regulations are maintained under her watchful eye. Margo also greets new residents and manages the community beach, while contributing efforts to secure a second access road to the community. 

Rotary District 5080 Passport Club member, John Tames made a generous contribution to make this presentation a reality. Margo's integrity and dignity shine bright and she is an ideal non-Rotarian recipient of the 2019-2020 Paul Harris Foundation recognition.