Popular Post ☠ Cipher Posted January 6 Popular Post Share Posted January 6 (copied and pasted from Teknetics FB page) In Loving Memory of Dave Johnson (1949–2025) With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dave Johnson, a luminary in the world of metal detecting and engineering. Known for his unmatched innovation and dedication, Dave's legacy has forever transformed the metal detecting industry and inspired countless enthusiasts worldwide. A Life of Innovation and Passion Born and raised in California, with much of his life spent in Arizona, Dave Johnson's journey into engineering began with his curiosity for electronics. His career in metal detection started in 1981 when he joined Fisher Research Labs in California. Over the decades, Dave contributed to some of the most iconic names in the industry, including Tesoro, White's, and Troy, before finding his home at First Texas Products in 2002. At First Texas, he spearheaded designs that set new performance, usability, and innovation benchmarks. Dave's contributions include groundbreaking designs for Fisher, Teknetics, and Bounty Hunter. His work on models such as the Teknetics T2, Fisher F75, and the Gold Bug II made them industry icons renowned for their precision, depth, and sensitivity. He had an extraordinary talent for blending technological complexity with exterior simplicity, making his detectors accessible yet powerful tools for hobbyists and professionals. The Mastermind Behind the Machines Dave's approach to design reflected his philosophy of excellence and user-friendliness. His insistence on superior ergonomics, as seen in the T2 and F75, revolutionized the way detectors were used, ensuring they became extensions of the user rather than mere tools. He once remarked, "I like products that are easy to use. I don't like complicated stuff," a mantra evident in every detector he touched. His ability to listen to the needs of the detecting community and translate those into technical breakthroughs was unparalleled. Whether it was the CZ series, which took nearly a decade to perfect, or the F75's superior depth and target separation, Dave's designs turned challenges into opportunities for advancement. His genius wasn't just in creating machines but in creating connections—between the detector, the user, and the history waiting to be uncovered. A Legacy That Spanned Generations Throughout his illustrious career, Dave's work helped unearth treasures and memories, but his impact reached far beyond his machines. He was a mentor to many in the industry, a collaborative teammate who valued the input of others, and an advocate for accessible, quality engineering. He frequently credited his success to the teams he worked with, including John Gardiner, Jorge Anton Saad, and others who shared his passion. Dave's humility was evident in his admission that he wasn't the best detectorist. "I'm not a good detectorist. That's why I like simple, easy-to-use machines," he joked. Yet his profound understanding of soils, terrain, and the science behind metal detecting made him a giant in the field. An Unforgettable Legacy Dave's designs are more than just machines—they are extensions of his brilliance and a testament to his life's work. From the simplicity of the Bounty Hunter to the cutting-edge performance of the F75, his creations have been loved by hobbyists and professionals alike. His contributions to VLF technology, soil mineralization management, and detector sensitivity will continue to influence the industry for years. Dave Johnson's life was defined by curiosity, ingenuity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His contributions to the metal detecting community will forever be remembered in the machines he designed and the countless memories and discoveries they have facilitated. A Final Tribute Dave once said, "We're building on a legacy that was created by many people." Today, we honor him as a cornerstone of that legacy. His passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but his spirit and contributions will continue to inspire all those who share his passion for discovery. Rest in peace, Dave. Your innovations will continue to guide and inspire us, and your memory will forever resonate with the sound of discovery. With most profound respect and gratitude, Your Family at First Texas Products and the entire Metal Detecting Community 10 8 2 Link to comment https://www.detectorprospector.com/topic/27425-in-loving-memory-of-dave-johnson-the-passing-of-a-legend/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Herschbach Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 Thanks for posting, more here…. 1 4 Link to comment https://www.detectorprospector.com/topic/27425-in-loving-memory-of-dave-johnson-the-passing-of-a-legend/#findComment-288129 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Bob S. Posted January 6 Popular Post Share Posted January 6 I'm a bit stunned... I first met David Johnson when Fisher (Los Banos) wanted to hire me in 1984. Jim Lewellen was taking me for a tour of the plant and introducing me to the employees. I remember walking into an office and seeing someone quickly pickup what looked like a 1220-X housing with a meter on top and covering it up with his jacket and placing it on a shelf. He looked a bit like a "mad scientist" with pocket protector and a few glints of gold in his nervous smile. I learned later what I saw was a prototype of the famous CZ-6. Apparently he just started working at Fisher a few years before and already he helped launch the slow-motion (SPD) 1260-X. It would be another 8 years when the dual-frequency analog CZ-6 finally debuted. Boy what a detector it was. I remember re-hunting my old sites and grabbing a lot more deep silver. I had no idea I was shaking the hand of a very important metal detector engineer who helped make our metal detecting what it is today a lot better. A very reserved and quiet man with a very large intellectual capacity. R.I.P. Dave... 9 1 Link to comment https://www.detectorprospector.com/topic/27425-in-loving-memory-of-dave-johnson-the-passing-of-a-legend/#findComment-288135 Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Kinsey Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 Rest in Peace David. You will be greatly missed. Respectfully, George. 2 Link to comment https://www.detectorprospector.com/topic/27425-in-loving-memory-of-dave-johnson-the-passing-of-a-legend/#findComment-288141 Share on other sites More sharing options...
schoolofhardNox Posted January 7 Share Posted January 7 Oh no! That is very sad. Some of the highly talented people, born before my time are slowly passing away. They paved the way for me to enjoy a life long hobby. I have a deep respect for any of them regardless of which brand they called home. Thoughts and prayers to his family. 3 Link to comment https://www.detectorprospector.com/topic/27425-in-loving-memory-of-dave-johnson-the-passing-of-a-legend/#findComment-288149 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick N. MI Posted January 7 Share Posted January 7 So Sad. A great detector engineer. My prayer goes out to him and his family. Amen. 3 Link to comment https://www.detectorprospector.com/topic/27425-in-loving-memory-of-dave-johnson-the-passing-of-a-legend/#findComment-288196 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knomad Posted January 8 Share Posted January 8 The longer I live, the more I appreciate such legends in every profession, and can only watch as we lose them. I hope Dave enjoyed The Good Old Days of nugget hunting and general detecting as he made it possible for others to enjoy it through the years. RIP. 3 Link to comment https://www.detectorprospector.com/topic/27425-in-loving-memory-of-dave-johnson-the-passing-of-a-legend/#findComment-288219 Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Kinsey Posted January 8 Share Posted January 8 I look into my closets and see many of Davids designs. He will never be far. George. 4 Link to comment https://www.detectorprospector.com/topic/27425-in-loving-memory-of-dave-johnson-the-passing-of-a-legend/#findComment-288250 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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