Football Coach, Retired City Employee Remembered as Caring, Influential

When Wes Johnson founded the Pikesville Wildcats children's football program in 1999, he had already created a successful program in Hanlon Park. With his leadership, the Wildcats program, through the Greater Pikesville Recreation Council, has grown to nine teams serving players ages 6-13 who compete in the Greater Baltimore Youth Football League.

Johnson, 60, a husband, father, Pikesville resident, coach, mentor and retired City of Baltimore employee, died Saturday after a brief illness, according to Niki Savage, acting vice president for the program.

Savage is helping to coordinate Johnson's memorial service, set for 6 p.m. Friday in the auditorium at .

The service is open to all, Savage said, and there will be a reception afterward in the cafeteria.

Johnson is survived by his wife Yolanda and three daughters: Cecily and Britney of Baltimore, and Heather "Heaven," of Pikesville.

Through the years, Johnson, the Wildcats founder and president, has been a mentor and father figure to many players as well as coaches, Savage said. 

“Wes was everything to the program. He was the backbone of our organization," she said. "He was the root to our tree. ... He was loved by most and respected by all."

Johnson coached his team on Aug. 16, missed practice the next day, was hospitalized last Thursday and died on Saturday, Savage said.

He had been scheduled to coach Pikesville’s ages 11-13 team this season, and their first game was scheduled for this Friday night, but that game has been postponed.

Johnson retired in 2005 from the Baltimore City Comptroller’s office, Savage said.

Comptroller Joan N. Pratt plans to attend the memorial service on Friday, said Danice Lewis, Pratt's assistant.

Lewis read the following excerpt from a letter that Pratt wrote, which she plans to present to Johnson's family:

"Wesley was well-respected for his love and commitment to his family. He was an energetic person who was always ready and willing to help make a difference in someone's life. Wesley will be remembered for his commitment to the many young lives he coached on the football field and the many years that he worked for the City of Baltimore.

"He performed his job to the best of his ability and he never seemed to be without a heart-warming smile."

Lewis said Johnson worked in the municipal post office, where he sorted and carried mail to various city agencies.

The coaching situation for Johnson’s team is still uncertain at this point as the assistant coaches decide how to proceed, Savage said.

Johnson also founded the Hanlon Park youth football program—now Gwynns Falls—in Baltimore City. He started it in 1982, and it’s still operating.

Savage said the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: Pikesville Youth Football, 4344 Breeder's Cup Circle, Randallstown, MD, 21133.