Russell Johnson

1933 - 2022

Russell Johnson
June 15, 1933 - July 12, 2022
Russell Lloyd Johnson, of Los Angeles and San Francisco, passed away peacefully at home on July 12, 2022, surrounded by family.
Russ was born in Santa Monica on June 15, 1933 to the late Russell Arthur Johnson and LaRose Miller. While Russ' parents divorced early, he remained close with his mother throughout his life, and spent most of his childhood living with his father and stepmother Beth in the San Fernando Valley. Russ graduated from Van Nuys High School, then Harvard College, cum laude, and finally Stanford Law School, with honors, where he served as a Note Editor on the Stanford Law Review. In Los Angeles, Russ joined the law firm Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP, his professional home for his entire career. Russ met a charming young accountant named Mary Carroll in 1965, they married in 1966, and joyfully welcomed a daughter, Teresa, in 1967.
Russ began his legal career as a corporate and securities lawyer, then focused on real estate law, becoming the first chair of the Gibson Dunn Real Estate Department. He was regarded as the dean of real estate in Los Angeles for decades and was involved in some capacity in most of the major LA real estate developments including California Plaza, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Russ loved his practice and took great pride in the real estate group, encouraging junior lawyers on his team and particularly advocating for women lawyers in the firm.
Russ was also an active member in various civic, business and legal organizations, including the Chancery Club, the California Club, Wilshire Rotary, and the Harvard-Radcliffe Club of Southern California.
After retiring, Russ and Mary moved to Coronado and actively supported the San Diego Opera and various performing arts organizations. Russ was involved in the Coronado Historical Association, Coronado Rotary and the Coronado Hospital Foundation. They also traveled extensively and indefatigably throughout the world, Russ loved nothing more than exploring new places.
Russ inherited his mother's inclusive generosity. He loved hosting boisterous family gatherings and visiting relatives near and far, remaining close to his large extended family throughout his life.
Having attended college and law school on scholarships, Russ believed strongly in giving back and generously supported education, including at his alma maters.
Russ and Mary moved to San Francisco later in retirement, where their daughter, Teresa is a partner in the law firm of Arnold & Porter. He was predeceased by his parents, Russell and LaRose, his stepmother Beth, his brother Jack, and sister-in-law Maxine. He is survived by his wife Mary, his daughter Teresa, daughter-in-law Daria, sister-in-law Joan, and many family and friends.
There will be a mass and midday reception at the San Francisco Towers at 11 am on July 23. There will also be a mass in Los Angeles at St. Brendan's Church at 12 noon on August 12.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for scholarships at Stanford Law School or Harvard University.