Tribute to Damon Johncour

When I was a new Physical Therapist and you were a new Prosthetist, you taught me so much more about prosthetics and orthotics to help make me a better therapist.

You befriended me, and as a professional colleague, we spent many happy and stress-relieving lunchbreaks together at the local restaurants in Henderson.

Years later, when I lost my leg, you were there for emotional support and guidance. When I was determined to get back to work after the accident, you set me up with your best friend, Doug, to get me the most advanced prosthesis so I could continue as a Physical Therapist.

When I wanted to return to cycling, you made a leg that let me complete the 150-mile MS ride, AND you donated generously in my fund-raising efforts for that first ride and subsequent ones.

When I wanted to go snorkeling in the Caribbean, you came up with some components for a leg that let me do that.

When I wanted to start running, you got a team of professionals together to set up a prosthesis for running, something new to you at the time. You can’t know the joy that Dee and I had running so many events together after that. Every time we lined up at the starting line I was so grateful to you for that.

When I did my first triathlon, you and some of your colleagues were there at the event to cheer me on (and take pictures!). I could never have done all the things I did without your help.

As we grew professionally, and your business grew, you had an idea to teach other Physical Therapists more about Prosthetics, so you invited me to help you with that. This gave me the opportunity to give back. And we had a great time teaching together with our friendly banter.

I can never say how much you did for me, and you probably never realized how much you did for countless others. But that’s the way you were, you gave your all to all who needed it, and with such a generous heart. We’ve both worked hard and were always so busy that we didn’t have much time together apart from our professional interactions, but we were still good friends and I enjoyed that.

And, you never minded when I used my own 4mm wrench.

Thank you, Damon, for everything. I will miss you for the rest of my life.

Nick LaRaia