Richard "Sunshine Dick" Johnson holds the distinction of being the only CBC radio personality to broadcast from Knolwton Nash's fruit cellar. His show's most provocative segment "Hey, Guess What's In The Vice" was halted by the CBC after it was discovered that, in one episode, the object in the vice was the embalmed foot of hockey broadcast legend, Foster Hewitt. Because it was never fully ascertained how Mr. Johnson came into possession of said foot, the CBC declined to cancel the show outright. (note: The foot is now on display in the CBC Museum)
Although his actions often concerned CBC executives, his success with the audience couldn't be denied. Catch-phrases like, "Whoa, I just pooed", and his signature sign-off, "Don't pick at it, it'll fester" found their way into the Canadian vernacular. Some critics believe, though, that he crossed a line when, in December 1973, he referred to Ernie Coombs (Mr. Dressup) as "that draft-dodging commie".
"The Sunshine Show" was finally put on hiatus for "re-tooling" after Richard's behaviour became even more "erratic". One instance that listeners may remember is an interview with famed Canadian author, Margaret Laurence, in which Johnson constantly referred to her as a "she-male". It's widely believed that this incident probably led to Johnson's dismissal. For a brief period, Dave Hodge acted as guest host until the show was finally cancelled.
Fearing a wrongful dismissal suit (and because he was bilingual), the CBC allowed Johnson to finish out his contract on a variety of CBC shows both on radio and television. His appearance on "The Ronnie Prophet Show" in February 1974 is notable because it was the first time that auto-erotic asphyxiation had ever been seen on prime-time Canadian television. Just days before his disappearance, an appearance on "The Friendly Giant" ended badly when an enraged Bob Homme punched Johnson in the throat.
On April 17, 1974, Johnson's burned-out 1970 Maverick was found at Bond Head, south of Barrie, ON. While his body was not in the car, forensic investigators believed he was probably eaten by crows. Because a rambling, tangential manifesto was discovered in his trailer at West Montrose, ON, it's believed that he had taken his own life. He was later found, alive, living in a canoe.
As of this writing, a book about Richard Johnson's life is in the works. It is being written by Dave Bidini.
