Andrew Johnson - a talent in metals

Ryan Chagnon was injured in an automobile accident 14 years ago, and he has used a walker to get around since.

He has two walkers with small wheels that he can use to get around on pavement. That's fine for Great Falls, where he lives now, but when he comes home to Hill Count, there is a lot to do that involves land that is not covered with pavement, and for that he has a walker with big wheels. When that gets broken, he has a hard time.

His father, Wayne Chagnon, said he has tried to get it fixed at other places in town, but it fell apart.

So he asked his friend, Montana State University-Northern professor Trygve "Spike" Magelssen, where he could get the walker fixed. Magelssen had an immediate answer: Andrew Johnson.

Johnson, a Northern welding instructor, has been the answer to a lot of questions from Havre civic groups in recent years. He's done a lot of work for groups ranging from Scouts to the Railroad Pagers.

"I don't know, I just love working for the community," said Johnson.

"We were so pleased with what he did for us," said Wayne Chagnon. "We appreciated it."

In fact, they went to Johnson for help once again. The canoe that Wayne and Ryan use had seen better days.

"It started leaking in a few places," Wayne said.

Again. Johnson took care of the problem.

"He got it fixed in one day," Chagnon said.

Johnson has been involved in several other community projects over the years.

When Railroad Pagers needed help building a bridge as part of the project they were shepherding at Beaver Creek Park, they called upon Johnson. He and his students worked to build the bridge to specifications.

He is working on a bench at Beaver Creek Park a man is building to memorialize his son who died of cancer.

Every year, Johnson works with the Boy Scouts of America for their annual merit badge college that Scouts attend to learn about various topics.

Johnson conducts one of the most popular programs, welding.

"I love using my God-given gifts to help the community," Johnson said.