We met first time in November 2024 at our church fundraiser hosted by Ulla Da Silva in her beatutiful home, where he showed up with his girlfriend Ever, a stylish Filipina who works in healthcare. Since then we met at the 150th Anniversary of Swedish Society and at English services and events at our church. Most recently at the Farewell Luncheon for our Pastor Joakim Schroder and at a Svenska Klubben World Cup soccer watch party at the Swedish American Hall (Sweden beat Ukraine 3-1 in a thriller).
Scott and Ever share a passion for authentic Scandinavian folk costumes.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up abroad (Beirut, UK, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Manila) as my father navigated his career with International Harvester. His work ethic has made me proud. To his dismay, I finished in last place in the Manila International School 4th grade spelling bee.
Yes I am familiar with the company, as it was founded by Charles Deering, who built the Vizcaya Palace in Miami not far from where I used to live, where Resident Reagan met Pope John Paul II and President Clinton held the Summit of the Americas to launch first EFTAA free trade Agreement. From where in Sweden did your family come?
My Swedish ancestors arrived in 1886 from Västergötland and in 1890 from Småland, settling in Round Rock, TX. Back in the 1890s, the Palm Valley area of Round Rock was almost 100% Swedish. My grandfather, Robert E. Johnson, Sr., was 100% Swedish and worked as the Round Rock postmaster.
According to family lore, in 1964 he and other federal employees were invited to a large "dinner" with U.S. President LBJ at the Driskill Hotel in nearby Austin, TX. My grandfather, being rural and born around 1900, interpreted "dinner" to mean the noontime meal, with "supper" referring to an evening meal. LBJ apparently had other ideas, and my grandfather reportedly arrived 5 hours early for "dinner" with the President.
So, your grandfather was a postmaster and your father an international businessman, What about your career?
I have had a variety of careers: first as a CPA with Deloitte, then as a corporate tax attorney, and more recently as a physician focusing on forensic psychiatry. The most enjoyable aspect of my work is serving on the faculty at Stanford where I help to train future forensic psychiatrists. Recently, the Stanford trainee physician fellows conducted a mock role play forensic evaluation of a U.S. Marine Corps airman (played by me) who had suffered alleged emotional trauma when the “flux capacitor” on his F-35 malfunctioned at 88mph (yes, a Back to the Future movie reference), downing the jet.
How and when did you become interested in your Swedish heritage?
My interest in my Swedish heritage deepened when I was given a tour of Swedish American Hall by Ted and Astrid Olsson, and I saw what a tremendously special venue it is! It seemed to be calling out to be used for more Scandinavian events.
Have you visited Sweden?
I’ve visited Sweden a handful of times. My family’s ancestral home is Fröjered in Skaraborg County, Västergötland. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it village.
When did you get involved in the Swedish Club?
I found the wonderful folks of Swedish Club in mid-2024 and became President in January 2026.
Tell us about your upcoming Skål & Style event May 31 at the Swedish American Hall where you have mobilized all Swedish organizations.
About the upcoming 31 May 2026 Skål & Style event at Swedish American Hall (2:15pm start), it promises to be a "festivitas," as my grandfather might have said. Every Swedish cultural organization in the Bay Area will be participating in this joint event: Swedish Club of SF, Swedish American Chamber of Commerce, VASA Order of America, Swedish Society, Svenska Kyrkan, SWEA, Scandinavian School, SveadalClub, Swedish Consul General’s Office, SAPL, plus the Danish Soldiers Society of Southern California. It's basically a celebration of Scandinavian folk costumes, wine, artisanal chocolates, caramels, winegums and cuisine. Light canapés by Michelin chef Roberth Sundell of Stockhome restaurant. All wine served will be from the best wineries in Scandinavia, particularly Sweden. Artisanal chocolates, caramels, and winegums from the finest confectioners in Scandinavia, particularly Sweden and Denmark. There will be live nyckelharpa by the Walströms. We are blessed to have Zaida Singers graciously perform. Notably, there will be a Grand Hussar Color Guard and Provincial Flag Parade featuring national and provincial flags of Sweden with the bearers wearing the respective folkdräkt. Authentic hussar cavalry costumes circa 1800 from Sweden, Denmark, and USA. Brief remarks by Swedish Consul General Cecilie Ekholm and Rev. Mary Philipson (Svenska Kyrkan), and a program on fine Scandinavian wine, sweets, and folk costumes. Appreciation and acknowledgment to Fred and Susan Bianucci, without whose help Ever and I could never have hoped to pull this off.