REMEMBERING
Norman Y. Mineta

Norm Mineta was on the Advisory Board for the Youth Science Institute (YSI) and Norm was very good about showing up at our annual meeting at the YSI Vasona Nature Center each year that coincided with our wildflower show. Around 1985 I went to Washington D.C. to talk to the Institute for Museum Services (IMS) about a grant we had applied for. Norm saw me from the end of a hall and called out, "David, what are you doing in Washington?" I walked up to him and explained that I was lobbying for an IMS grant we had applied for. He said, "follow me into my office; let's set up a meeting in my office so I can learn more about your grant proposal." Norm's admins quickly set up a half hour meeting for the next day. Then Norm said "Have you ever visited the White House?" I replied, no, and Norm requested that I get a ticket for a White House tour. We got our grant, which was likely influenced by Norm, but I was so impressed that Norm recognized me among a crowd of a dozen or more people from probably 35 feet away, and then made sure he did everything he could for me. It was amazing! I have a wonderful picture of my dad, Charles L. Johnston, M.D., discussing politics and his experiences as a medical officer in post war Japan with Norm at one of YSI's annual meetings. My dad was stationed in Hiroshima for two years as a physician to help victims of the atomic bomb. He learned a lot about Japanese culture and loved the Japanese people. After settling along the Saratoga Creek my parents built a Japanese garden in our back yard and I have fond memories of my parents hosting Japanese dinner parties while growing up. I believe my dad's compassion and love of Japanese people and culture resonated well with Norm. Norm had an amazing compass in life. He was an extraordinary person in so many ways, and his influence will be felt for many, many generations.

During 911 Attacks, I was working for United Airlines. I usually fly to and from those East Coast. At the time, I was in Los Angeles and waking up to go to LAX when I learned about the attacks. A few hours later, I learned that Mr. Mineta ordered commercial flights to be grounded, and to have the current in-flight aircrafts to land at the nearest airport. Mineta's thoughtful and strategic orders were right.

I remember one year when I was traveling to the Heart Mountain Pilgrimage. I was boarding the small shuttle airplane that would take me from Salt Lake City to Cody, WY. I saw Norm and his wife already seated in the plane. I stopped to introduce myself. Norm than said, "Hi, I'm Norm". I then said, yes, I know who you are. He just thought of himself as a regular person. I will always remember that small interaction.