Path Valley announcer Bob Johnson dead at 56 By Walt Cox SPRING RUN, PA - Our dear friend and colleague Bob Johnson died Tuesday, November 4, 2003 at Altoona Hospital following a long illness. Bob was the senior announcer at Path Valley Speedway over most of the past 16 years and also announced at Hill Valley Speedway, performing his duties at both tracks for many year, Path Valley on Friday and Hill Valley on Saturday. He personally knew most all of the hundreds of racers who visited the two main tracks over the past two decades. With good sense, grace and a pronounced sense of humour Bob Johnson touched the lives of literally tens of thousands in the racing community. Robert C.'Willie Dirt Bike' Johnson was born August 10, 1947, son of Robert C. Johnson and Lucy M. Johnson. Surviving are his wife Sharon, who in later years scored beside him at Path Valley, and his children Kerry and Shelley, His mother Lucy, brother Rev. Paul L. Johnson, sister Ruby L. Johnson Hogans and numerous relatives in addition to a vast host of friends. He was a Vietnam era veteran of the U.S. Army and worked at F.L. Smithe Machine Co. and Norfolk Southern Railroad prior to his kidney transplant rejection. Bob was laid to rest November 7th at the Alto Reste Park Cemetary with a full military honor guard. Cards and memorials may be sent to Sharon Johnson, 1909 14th Ave., Altoona, PA 16601.