A Father’s Legacy Lives on Through the Gift of Sight

When Dustin received a letter in the mail about his father’s cornea donation, he paused. The logo at the top was instantly familiar: Saving Sight. For years, Dustin has worked with the organization as its financial advisor—helping manage retirement plans and guiding staff through long-term planning. But this was different.

Mark Johnson

“I’ve helped Saving Sight for nearly a decade,” Dustin said. “But to see my dad’s name on a letter from you all—to know he became a donor—it just blew me away. It came full circle.”

Dustin’s father, Mark, passed away in December at the age of 72. In life, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, celebrating 50 years of marriage to Dustin’s mother just a few months before his passing. Raised in southeast Kansas, Mark lived a life of creativity, generosity and resilience.

After losing his own father as a young boy, Mark was raised by his mother alongside three older siblings. He met his high school sweetheart—Dustin’s mom—in Independence, Kansas. Together they attended Pittsburg State University, where Mark studied marketing and design. That passion translated into a lifelong career as an artist and business owner. Mark specialized in wildlife oil paintings, lettering, sign work and eventually glass installation.

“Later in life, he bought a glass business,” Dustin said. “He did residential and commercial installs, framing, custom pieces—you name it. Glass kind of became his thing.”

Outside of work, Mark was an avid outdoorsman, antique car collector, and golfer. In his later years, he could often be found on the golf course or visiting his grandkids in Kansas City. Even after surviving a quadruple bypass and a battle with colon cancer, Mark continued to put others first, always finding time for family and friends.

“He would do anything for someone else before doing it for himself,” Dustin said. “That’s just who he was.”

After Mark’s passing, Dustin’s mother received a letter explaining that both of his corneas had been successfully donated and transplanted, restoring sight to two individuals in Pakistan.

“It just stopped me in my tracks,” Dustin said. “To know someone can see the world through his gift—it’s humbling. And knowing that it happened through Saving Sight made it even more meaningful.”

For Dustin and his family, the news was both healing and affirming.

“We’re all givers at heart,” Dustin said. “And if you can help someone—especially when you no longer need what’s being given—why wouldn’t you?”

Today, Mark’s legacy lives on through the lives he’s touched—both near and far. A large mural featuring one of his paintings now graces the side of his hometown’s high school stadium, thanks to donations made in his memory. Dustin is keeping a few of his dad’s classic cars, hoping someday his own son will carry on that tradition.

This Father’s Day, Dustin is reminded of the man who helped shape him.

“I think my dad would be proud,” he said. “Proud to know his final gift gave someone their sight—and proud to know his story might inspire someone else to say yes to donation.”