Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

FUNERAL HOME

Messinger Mortuaries- Indian School Mortuary

7601 East Indian School Road

Scottsdale, Arizona

Roy Johnson Obituary

Johnson, Roy
77, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2010. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 14, 1932 to Roy and Miriam Johnson. He attended St. Thomas Academy and St. Thomas University, graduating in 1955. Roy married Nancy Thom of Minneapolis on April 7, 1956. The newlyweds relocated to Phoenix and started a family. Surviving are his wife Nancy and their five children: Roy III, Paul (Gail), Barbara, William, and Donna (John,) as well as six loving grandchildren; Roy's sisters Maurine (Derk) Derksen, and Marguerite (Cliff) Olson and families; and extended Johnson and Shikany families. In Arizona, Roy joined the Valley National Bank in 1956 as a junior trainee and retired in 1992 as a senior executive, having served the bank in many capacities throughout Arizona. Along with practicing his profession, he was an avid and accomplished golfer from his boyhood days, winning many championships and awards for his skills. He enjoyed bird carving as a hobby, and won recognition for his work as a carver of song birds. In addition to his family, Roy's passing will be felt by many caring friends. People could rely on him to be trustworthy and non-judgmental. He was a long-time and committed supporter of Crossroads and The Franciscan Renewal Center. For many years he was a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in Scottsdale. Roy was on the boards of the Scottsdale Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Scottsdale Rotary Club. He was active in Toastmasters, served on the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce including president for a term, and served as Vice Chairman of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce. A visitation is scheduled from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, Tuesday, January 19, 2010, with a scripture service at 7:00pm at Messinger Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Road in Scottsdale. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am, Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 6261 N. Granite Reef Rd. in Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crossroads, 1845 E. Ocotillo Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Jan. 17, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Roy Johnson

Sponsored by loving family.

61 Entries

Janice Ott

January 11, 2021

Roy was one of the sweetest gentle man that I had the privilege to know. Miss you, Hi To Nancy,
RIP Roy. Janice Ott

Emily Rudolph

December 13, 2016

I miss you Grandpa. You are so loved.

January 23, 2012

It's been two years, Dad, and yet so impossible to believe.

I love you and miss you.

me

September 18, 2011

I know it's late and the book is complete...

Just wanted to say one last time good nite and I love you...

me

June 3, 2011

Hey Dad,

I came to be with you yesterday with Ann Porter.

We laughed and cried and just had a great time with you dad.

Thanks for making a good day a great one!

Love,

Donna and Ann

May 8, 2011

Dad,

I love you and miss you dearly...Today as you know is Mother's Day... Mom always looks so great.

We had a good time...wish you were there.

Keep an eye out for Seve Ballesteros would you? He's was one of the greatest golfers. He will be missed by all.

Love,

Donna

Donna

April 24, 2011

Dear Dad,

Always thinking of you...

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday, as you know.

I love you.

Me.

April 16, 2011

Dear Dad,

Went to church again tonight for Palm Sunday although it was Saturday.

I really loved this mass...It was different but so relevant.

I put you and Charles on the list for the prayers tomorrow.. I can only hope you might be there.

I love you,

Donna and Addie

April 13, 2011

Hi Dad,

I am going with Mom and Baba to Charles Church's funeral on Friday.

Please let him know how much I miss him but how grateful I am that you are there for him.

You're the greatest.

Donna and Addie

March 20, 2011

Dear Dad,

Thinking of you as always.

Just got back from a trip to Coronado Island for spring break.

I felt like you were there with me the whole time.

I believe you were.

Love you,

Donna

Nancy Johnson

March 1, 2011

Hi Roy,
We celebrated Roy III's 54th birthday last evening with an Italian dinner at a local restaurant. It is always so good to get together with our kids and "grands". I think of you so often and know that you are watching over us and taking care of us as you always did. I love you more than ever and admire your resolve to always strive to live a better, more spiritual life.
Nancy

Ann Porter

February 28, 2011

Hello Uncle Roy,
Just want you to know that we enjoyed having your spirit with us as we celebrated Joshua and Matt's birthdays. If it were not for you...we would not be celebrating Joshua's birthday...as you were our cupid that brought Dave and I together. Smile on!

February 23, 2011

Hi Dad,
Thinking of you today.
Love you,
Barbara

John Harrington

February 22, 2011

Roy,

I wanted to let you know how frequently you are in my thoughts. Golf has taken on an added meaning to me over the last year, knowing that we shared a love of the game. A round doesn’t go by that I don't reflect on the times we played and how much I enjoyed it. Donna and Addie miss you dearly and even though you are not physically here our memories of you will live forever.

Miss you
John

Donna Harrington

February 22, 2011

Donna Harrington

February 22, 2011

Roy Johnson

February 16, 2011

Hi dad. I know it has been a year since you passed on. I still think of you often and wish you were still here. I know that you are resting peacefully and waiting for us in heaven. I'm looking forward to seeing you there.
Love Roy

Paul Johnson

February 15, 2011

Eulogy for Roy J. Johnson

Delivered by Roy’s son, Paul.

The song that you just heard was selected by my sister Barbara. It is titled “Finally Home” and was written by The Christian musical group “Mercy Me.” Thanks to Barb’s friend Jim McGarrahan for the beautiful guitar playing and vocals.

A fitting tribute to my father cannot be compressed into a 4 or 5 minute Eulogy by a son. I will therefore try to touch on the feelings of his family, and honor a few areas of his life. I trust that all of you will continue the spirit of the Eulogy in your conversations with one another at the reception following the Mass. So, welcome family and friends.

Dad, I am grateful to you for your love and guidance as a father, as are my brothers Roy and Bill, and sisters Barbara and Donna. You instilled in us a desire to achieve in our chosen lines of work, to provide for our families, and to give back to our communities. When we needed help or guidance, as we all did at times, you gave us support and a helping hand up.

Thank you for your commitment to mom as a loving husband and provider. She loves you very much. She meant it when she said, 54 years ago, “to love, honor and cherish, in sickness and in health, till death do us part” and I know you meant it just the same. The last few years, although in dealing with gradual decline, were truly more of a blessing to all of us than a hardship, due to family and friends pulling together and caring for one another. Mom and my brothers and sisters have been at your side cheering you on all this time.

Dad, you were the youngest of 5 siblings. You cared deeply for your brother Paul and your sister Virginia who preceded you in death. You loved your sisters Maurine and Margueritte, who are here to grieve for you today. You cared deeply for all of their spouses and families, many of whom are here today. I grew up with the security of a loving Johnson, Derksen, Olson, and Shikany clan who frequently got together at birthdays, holidays and family reunions to keep the relationships strong and to honor one another’s lives. You extended your love to mom’s sisters Jane and Donna, her brother Tom, her Aunt Francy, and their spouses and families. You were a catalyst in keeping our family close.

The tribute to you as a man is in what you have done for others in your community, naturally as an extension of your Catholic/Christian faith. The current outpouring of support from family and friends is a testimony that you have made your mark in life and a great many people respect you. As examples: You were a volunteer who fed the poor. You read scriptures and ministered to those in prison. You were a long-time committed supporter of Crossroads and the Franciscan Renewal Center. You served on the boards of the Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs of Scottsdale and the Scottsdale Rotary. You were president of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, and you were Vice Chairman of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce. You read the Bible every morning for years, and you found solace in scripture until you could no longer turn the pages up until just a few weeks ago. We believe that the Lord will recognize your faith in Him and the resulting good things that you have done, and you will now rest in peace in eternity in Heaven.

It was fitting that your death occurred on January 14, your own father’s birthday. I believe that your dad and Nana, Paul, Virginia, Molly, Tim and others are greeting you now with open arms at Heaven’s Gate.

Thanks Dad, for your dedication to your work at the Valley Bank during your career. You joined the bank in 1956, and served the bank well in numerous capacities throughout Arizona, retiring as a Senior Vice President in 1992. I was always proud to point out to my friends the buildings of the branches you managed. As a kid I had exclusive bragging rights about you arranging to have Mario Andretti’s racecar on display in the lobby of your branch, although I was just a little torqued when you sat behind the wheel then wouldn’t allow my brother Roy or me do the same. So, I must confess, when you weren’t looking we put our bubble gum in the tailpipes.

I’m sure that many of your friends from the bank are here today, or if they could not attend they have you in their thoughts and prayers.

Thank you Dad for your choices in your long-term friendships. I wish I could identify all of your friends right now by name, but there are so many and they know who they are. All who are here admired you for your devotion to charitable and community service organizations. Many looked up to you as a mentor at times where your emotional support and consistent encouragement inspired them to stay the course.

You loved the game of golf, and you were really good. I remember our home being peppered with too many trophies and plaques from your victories to properly display. During the last few years, regrettably the power of your golf swing subsided to the point where it was time to retire the clubs. The energy of your swing is in a different place now, and I’m sure it’s fully restored. When you play at the Heaven’s Gate Invitational, just please don’t hit that Congressman Eldon Rudd on the head again with a 300 yard drive. Remember that?

Dad, like in a Master’s Golf Championship, we’re all in the gallery cheering for you as a tribute for what you did in your life. Sure, there were some difficult shots on the way, but there were mostly great ones. You always figured out the appropriate club to use, and you thought through the shots and finished the game of life well under par.

_________________

When my brother Roy and I were kids in the early 1960’s, my dad would practice his golf after his work days at Valley National Bank. He’d pile Roy and me, his clubs, and a large bag of golf balls in the car, and he’d drive to a field someplace. Our function, of course, was to shag golf balls for our dad.

He could hit those balls very far and very straight. After they were all hit, my brother Roy and I would run out and pick them all up, and we’d do it all over again, several times over.

In subsequent years, I suppose when his bank salary went up a bit, he transitioned to a driving range and range balls, and ultimately to a membership at Camelback Country Club – a course that he loved. But he kept that old bag of golf balls, and added to it in the 1970’s and 1980’s. During one visit home maybe 20 or 25 years ago, he gave me that bag of golf balls. I kept them in my garage in Boise.

I retrieved those old balls from my garage the other day. You could say I shagged them one last time, in preparation to come here for dad’s funeral. Here’s one; it is yellowed with age and has the Camelback logo on it. Others are still smeared with dirt and grass stains from dad’s shots all those years ago. Others have his smile imprinted on them from his powerful iron shots. I’m sure each has been hit hundreds of times by my dad. I found one real gem with the Valley National Bank logo on it (holding it up). If it’s okay with my mom, I’d like this particular one to rest beside his ashes at the cemetery.

I brought the others in a red cosmetic case. It will be at the reception following mass. You’re welcome to take a ball as a memento of his life. But I’ll ask you to think happy thoughts about him, not sad, because that’s what he would like.

Thanks again for being a great dad. We love you dad and we miss you. So, would you please join me in a big round of applause for my dad. (Applause).

Donna and Addie

February 9, 2011

Dear Dad,

Richard Regan is someone that means so much to you and to Mom.

I included a passage from an email that he had sent to mom, before you had moved on.

I believe his words are remarkable in memory of you.

"He was my best friend in high school. and I think he had a number of best friends. That sense of humor, easy manner and wry smile translated into instant and lasting relationships. Just a great guy, a cliche that is deserved and not shallow in this case."

Just wanted you to know,

I LOVE YOU,

Donna

Miss you Dad. Love, Paul & Gail.

Paul Johnson

February 5, 2011

Ryan and Laura Johnson at Ryan's graduation from BSU, Dec. 2010.

Paul Johnson

February 5, 2011

Dad, here's a photo from Ryan's graduation from Boise State University in Dec. 2010.

Paul Johnson

February 5, 2011

Love you dad. From Paul & Gail Johnson.

Paul Johnson

February 5, 2011

Dear Dad,
We love you and miss you. It's been just over a year now, and I think of you every day and am thankful you were my dad. Gail and I talk about you often, and what a kind and generous person you were. I regret that having lived away, Ryan and Laura didn't have the opportunity to see you very often as they were growing up, but they loved you very much too.
I visited your memorial with mom a few months ago in Scottsdale. I think it's a beautiful resting place. I was glad to see the Valley National Bank golf ball on display next to the urn with your ashes. Mom has done a nice job with your photo and the other arrangements.
Rest in Peace Dad. We love you.
Paul, Gail, Ryan, Laura Johnson

January 29, 2011

Dear Dad,

Barbara sold another mocking bird painting yesterday to a famous golfer...you are working wonders throughout the day, dad

Went to church with mom tonight.
After which we ran into Tom and Mary Jerry Lee...they sure miss you, dad.

I miss being able to speak to you and see you whenever I could...

Although, I am certain that you are with the Lord now...which is where we all pray to be someday.

I love you,
Donna

January 24, 2011

Hi, Dad

I miss you terribly...as always. I sent you a message but not sure you got it.

It was January 14, 2010 that we lost you. Addie and I went to visit you and we miss you so much.

I have such difficulty with not being able to call and speak with you, although I know you are with me.

I just wish I knew how you are. Please let me know.

Love,

Donna, Addie and Ginger Snap

I love you,

January 15, 2011

Dear Roy,
Oh how I miss those phone calls from AZ and hearing your sweet voice and charming giggles. At this momemt, though, I have a picture of you and Bill together finding a couple of cars to do a bit of drag racing. (Boys will always be boys.)
I keep in touch with Nancy and she is doing well considering how much she misses your physical presence but she knows you are with her in spirit. Needless to say, all of us who knew and loved you miss your sweetness, kindness, and goodness.
Roy, you will always have a special place in my memory bank and in my heart.

Miss you, Love, Jan

Stu and Jane

January 15, 2011

You have been in our thoughts especially these past couple of days knowing that it was a year ago you went on your last journey to be with God. You helped so many while you were here and I'm wondering if you could continue helping us with your guidance here on Earth as we most certainly need a peacemaker like yourself!

Nancy Johnson

January 13, 2011

Thinking about you today with so many feelings and emotions. Tomorrow will be one year since you began your next journey. The heavenly one. I do feel your presence around me especially these last few days. You will always be an important part of my life no matter how many years go by.
I love you more than ever.
Nancy

Addie Harrington

January 11, 2011

I love you so much! You are my best Grandpa ever. I know that you love birds. I love birds too. I have known you since I was a baby. Happy Birthday Grandpa! We are probably going to have apple pie... your favorite type of pie. I got a hamster. It is a girl and her name is Gingersnap. I painted a nest at Barbara's house of one of your beautiful birds.

I love you and I miss you.

I think of you all of the time.

Love,

Addie

Please keep an eye on Gingersnap.

December 15, 2010

Roy enjoyed his birthday about as much as anyone I know. And even better, he wanted a lot of us around to share the event with him. I miss those birthday parties and I surely miss Roy. Adios amigo

Nate

Addie's Painting

December 14, 2010

Hi Dad,
I also wanted to send you this picture of a painting that Addie did. She was over one day painting with me and she did a wonderful job.
Barbara

"Bird Watchin" Dad...these are all your books too.

December 14, 2010

Happy Birthday Dad. December 14th will always important to me because it is your day. I miss you every day and I always have so many things to tell you. Mostly just thank you for being such a wonderful father. You were always so encouraging to me in every way. I have become rather addicted to "bird watching" this past year. You can't believe how many different species I have seen just right out my kitchen window. I can always hear your laugh in my mind too while I am watching them. I keep thinking maybe you are sending them my way to keep me inspired and to carry on your love for carving birds. I have been painting up a storm getting ready for the next art show, and every new painting has a bird in it. They are all dedicated to you. I only wish that I had paid attention to you telling me that I should paint birds so long ago. Well....now I am addicted and I really love it. Tonight we are getting together in your honor and to share a story or memory about you. There are so many good ones dad that it might take all night. I think we are going to have a birthday cake too...but maybe it should be an apple pie? That is one of Addie's favorites too. By the way, I think Addie likes birds too. She came over one day recently and painted a little bird nest and it really came out cute. I love you dad and wish you didn't have to go so soon. I know that you are in heaven and are doing some very important work there. I can't wait to see you again.
Love,
Barbara

December 14, 2010

Hi Roy,

Stu and I are thinking of you today, on your Birthday - although we think of you most every day as something or other will remind us of you! You came to mind yesterday when we saw a beautiful red northern cardinal perched on top of a huge white snowbank in our backyard. I could imagine you carving this pretty bird! Happy Birthday, Roy!
Love, Stu and Jane

Emily Rudolph

December 13, 2010

Hi Grandpa,

Happy Birthday. I was sitting here, looking at that turquoise ring you made, hanging on a chain around my neck, wondering if I told you enough that I love you. I think of you all the time, driving to work or picking up a golf club. I can't believe all this time has gone by. Sometimes I still wake up and want to come and see you. I think it is because so much of the impact you had on my life I still carry with me everyday. You had such a spirit about you and made a true difference in the world and taught me so much about faith in God. I love you Grandpa. You inspire me.
Love,
Emily

Emily Rudolph

December 13, 2010

Hi Grandpa,

Happy Birthday (a day early). I still think of you often. Driving to work and remembering you driving around birds in the road, or picking up a golf club. I should have told you more often how much I love you,you made a very large impact on my life. I miss you everyday. I was just thinking earlier about your birthday last year. I can't believe that much time has gone by. Thank you for all that you taught me. I will take it with me in life wherever I go. Love you Grandpa,
Emily

Cliff and Greet Olson

December 13, 2010

Dear Roy, Marguerite just called from Minneapolis. She said they are really snowed in at the moment. The blizzard started Friday night and ended sometime Sunday. The Humphry Dome caved in so they could not use it for the football game on Sunday. Greet and Cliff want to wish you a Happy 78th Birthday tomorrow. They send their love. Nancy, Greet and Cliff

Donna

December 11, 2010

Dear Dad,

Just finished watching "It's a Wonderful Life"....and yes for the billionth time.

I always take something new away from this film that I have watched so many times.

This time it made me realize the true essence of the story. That being, that one man's life and efforts can make such an amazing change and difference in the lives of others. And without, it they may never have been the same.

It reminds me of you,Dad, and the significant impact you have made on the lives of others...Whether you realize it or not.

At this point I believe that you do.

I love you,

Nancy Johnson

December 7, 2010

Next week, on December 14th, you will have your 78th birthday. We will have a cake and celebrate the day. We know you will be with us in spirit smiling your unique and special smile. We all love you and miss you. Nancy

Donna Harrington

December 5, 2010

Hi, Dad

Just thinking of you, as always.

It's harder now then before to realize the loss that we have experienced.

At least for me.....Mom too.

I love you so much and miss you...

Love,

Donna

December 3, 2010

Hi Dad,

It's late....thinking of you a always.

We had a nice Thanksgiving..but not the same without you.

I love you,

Addie

September 13, 2010

Hi Dad,

I miss you, as always...

I am a little older today.

I don't know how I got so old....

anywhoo...

I am going to bed...and will watch your video as always..

I spent some time with Maurine a few days ago. She was the mystery guest at my birthday party.

She stayed the night at your house with mom and had a pretty good time.

Derk is not well, as you must know. I will visit him this week...

I have a hard time without you.

Any chance there is text messaging in heaven?

Course not.....Just had to ask.

"maybe you could put a word in"

Love you,

Donna

September 7, 2010

Hardly a day goes bye that I don't have a thought about Roy All I have to do is look at my golf clubs and Roy's face pops up in my mind.As I sleep in the Arizona room and glance at the photos that we have there,memories of many good times come back to mind.They say no one is really gone as long as they're remembered by those that loved them.So Roy is still a part of our lives and brings good feelings in our day. Stu Stockhaus

September 5, 2010

Hi Dad,

Just celebrated Barbara's 50th birthday party with some of the artists from the show.

Lots of fun...wish you were there.

Addie is working hard and doing well.

I miss you,

we all miss you,

Love.

Donna & Addie

August 28, 2010

Hi Dad,

I miss you as always. I love you so much.

Addie started 4th grade and it is quite a feat.

She will be making her first communion soon.

I wish you were here, as always.

I am always listening as you know. Please let me know how you are.

Love,

Donna & Addie

Jane & Stu Stockhaus

August 9, 2010

Roy, I would say that Stu and I miss you very much - we do of course. But, it's almost like you are still here among us. Your memory and your presence are both so strong. You touched each of our lives in so many different ways. You were always ready to help with your love and support whatever the need. Whether it was a simple act of holding a door open for someone to get into a building or holding a door open for someone to get into a better life - you were there ready to help! Thank you, Roy! We love you!

July 24, 2010

Hi Dad,

Just came back from you and mom's house for her birthday. It was fun, but your presence was missed. I still can't believe you are away.

Thanks for the memory last night.

I love you always,

Mom, Addie and me

June 26, 2010

Hi Dad,

Happy Father's Day again.

I wish you were here.

me.

Babba

June 16, 2010

Hi dad,

I love you and miss you.

Donna

May 26, 2010

The days go by...But the memory never wavers. I wish so much that you could be with me again.

I love you and will never forget how much you have done for me.

Love,

Donna & Addie

ps. Phil took the Masters.

April 6, 2010

To Roy:
You know it wasn't easy for me to let you go, but love like ours would not hold back your love to suffer so.
Nancy (CLLC)

April 1, 2010

Hi Dad,

Thinking of you always. I miss you so much! You're spirit is always with me.

Donna

Tom Lehar

February 18, 2010

Roy was a lifelong friend, and, in many ways my best friend. As does his loving family, I will miss him deeply.

February 6, 2010

Nancy and Family,

We are pleased to join your many friends by sending a note to your guest book.

Barbara and I have reflected back through the years of being with the Johnsons. All great memories and while I played with Roy and marveled at his golf skills, the far better memories were of the family times together.

Just as you lost a Husband and Father we have lost a wonderful friend and miss him.

Nancy, you remain in our prayers through this next period of your life. We have been so impressed with your support of Roy these last months. He was very fortunate.

Nate and Barbara

February 5, 2010

Hi Dad,

Late on Friday,

Always thinking of you...I love you.

Sathish & Bernadette Chari

February 3, 2010

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Donna Harrington

January 25, 2010

I love you so much dad, and miss you terribly.

I am grateful for all of the support of friends and family that have always been by your side and now ours.

It is seemingly impossible to encompass in words or a few sentences the true essence of what your life has brought to so many.

I love you,

Donna, John & Addie

Peter and Mary Ritten

January 18, 2010

Dear Nancy and Family,

No obituary could begin to say all that can be said about a man like Roy, but yours came close. His sweet disposition, ready grin and compassionate nature will be missed by many and remembered fondly. It was a privilege to know him and a grace that he was able to extend his gentle touch to so many.

We join with you in mourning the loss of such a great soul. Our world could use more of then. You may be sure we will be lifting up our prayers along with yours on Wednesday.

Love,

Peter and Mary Ritten

January 17, 2010

To Nancy and the Roy Johnson family I extend my heartfelt sympathy on Roy's passing. We were good friends all during my career in the Valley National Bank and I was happy to have a chance to visit with him at one of our recent VNB reunions.

Sincerely,

Dick Holland, Littleton, NH
(Information courtesy of Bob Dreste)

January 17, 2010

One of the factors folks use to measure a person’s time on this earth is, “Did he make a difference”?

There are Nancy and the children and the extended family. Roy made their lives good. He made a difference. And, hundreds of friends who benefited by Roy’s unwavering support, his humor and his wisdom. He made a difference. And, the thousands of people he helped. Some knew him, some did not. But they lived better lives because he worked to make it so. He made a difference.

For all of us who were among the family, the friends and those he helped, Roy’s passing brings sadness. But, we know that he has gone to a better place. If our lives have been a fruitful as his, we will see him there. Goodbye, old friend. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.

Graham Hollenbeck and Family.

Showing 1 - 61 of 61 results