In 2008, the Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science was approaching its 50^th anniversary and the editorial board arranged some personal contributions from those who had been material in the journal’s success. In response to this initiative, the authors spoke informally to Ken Johnson about his life and work. However, typically modest in his approach, Ken was reluctant to see the article published during his lifetime, and so it has remained in the ‘bottom drawer of the desk’ ever since. But now, following Prof. Johnson’s passing in September 2015 we thought it appropriate to publish our brief article with minor modifications, and hope that it will serve as a memorial to the enormous contribution he made to his chosen field of study.