The Strib just posted an article about the passing of Rod Johnson, founder and longtime owner of Midwest Mountaineering. I never met him personally, but I can't overstate the value of the equipment I bought there and the things I learned from talking to exhibitors at the Expos. I have many fond memories of heading over to MM, thanks to Rod. Rest in Peace.

He helped a lot of outdoor people get fitted.

The Expos were my favorite gatherings over the years. My children have memories of being bribed to attend with me - $10 to spend on whatever they chose. So many good tips and occasional prizes won. Such a great opportunity to meet the craftspeople that made the gear or the food, or guided the trips.

I enjoyed the store too and have some pieces of that (display racks and a canoe rack) that will keep those memories alive... but the Expos were my favorite. Boat auction was always fun to watch also.

RIP Rod.

Paddle and Portage article

The above link is a impressive article without needing to jump past a firewall. The video/ podcast at the end of the article is absolutely with a listen.

I have a winter-weight Thaw bag that I bought in 1970 at the original Hennepin Ave. store/firetrap. It is eminently usable. If I didn’t have other plans for the morning, I’d be tempted to sleep in it outdoors tonight, as a gesture of gratitude for helping thousands of us get outdoors.

Thanks for letting us know.

I went to that store a ton of times, I made friends at the expos, just in general a unique place that probably couldn’t exist in the same way today.

Every time I dealt with Rod he was always came off a great guy.

You will be missed, you did something few will do or could do…thanks Rod!

T