Former CBC topper Al Johnson passed away Monday at the age of 87. Johnson led the Corporation as president and chairman from 1975 to 1982.

Born in 1923 in Insinger, Saskatchewan, Johnson worked under Prime Ministers Lester B. Pearson and Pierre Trudeau, and was appointed by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney as the senior adviser to South Africa during its transition from apartheid. Johnson is recognized as being one of the prime movers behind Canada’s health care system during his time in public office.

Johnson was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1980, and a Companion of the Order in 1997.

He is survived by wife Ruth, four children and one granddaughter.