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Bill Johnson
1960 - 2016
Bill Johnson
1960 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1960
DIED
2016
Bill Johnson Obituary
Johnson made history in the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. Downhill skiing events had long been all but guaranteed to Olympians from France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland – countries that actually had alps. But when the brash westerner showed up, a native of California who learned to ski growing up in Boise, Idaho – he predicted he'd beat them all.
What Johnson told the press in the days leading up to his Olympic victory was, "You can start writing your story. This course was designed for me, and everyone else is here to fight for second place." While a little braggadocio is no surprise in the athletics world, nobody else really believed that Johnson would win in a European-dominated sport. At best, his opponents dismissed him, though some were a little annoyed with his arrogance. One competitor, Austria's Franz Klammer, referred to Johnson as a "nose picker" after his boast, according to People magazine. "I got in their heads so badly," Johnson told the Oregonian.
But when it came time for Johnson's downhill run, he proved himself right, blowing past the competition and winning gold. He became a U.S. media darling, cocky and handsome as he told the press in the wake of his victory, "I'm the fastest, best glider in the world right now." A 1985 TV movie capitalized on his popularity. "Going for the Gold: The Bill Johnson Story" starred Anthony Edwards as Johnson.
Johnson's success continued as he took other victories in 1984, but a 1986 injury kept him out of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta, and he retired from skiing in 1990. He would attempt a comeback in 2001, gunning for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. But a serious crash during a training run destroyed that comeback, putting him in a coma for three weeks and leaving him with a traumatic brain injury.
Johnson was no longer able to live on his own and experienced health difficulties for the rest of his life. He experienced a series of small strokes over the years, and in 2010, a major stroke left him unable to sit up or use his right hand.
Johnson was born March 30, 1960 in Los Angeles. He is survived by two sons, Tyler and Nick.
76 Entries
Kory lunak
July 17, 2024
Bill Johnson was the best downhill skier I ever saw.
stu
January 21, 2021
Bill Johnson hard to believe you have been gone five years already. May you be at peace in the hallowed halls of ski legends
February 3, 2016
A name is better than good oil,and the day of death then the day of one's being born. Bill certainly made a name for himself,the life he lived will be cherished by all whose lives he touched. Bill will be missed greatly, may you look to our heavenly father for comfort,understanding and strength. My deepest sympathy to the family so sorry for your loss.
New Jersey~
How you can show support
January 31, 2016
Billy-- your spirit and your light will always shine over so many young racers with a dream. You believed in yourself when many did not. You will never be forgotten - RIP -
Deanne Woodring
Johnson Family
January 30, 2016
Ma the God of all comfort bless the family with peace and strength. We are very sorry for your loss.
Tyeka McGuire
January 29, 2016
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. Psalms 116:15 -
Per Bonde
January 28, 2016
Reading the news in Norway this early am I am reminded of what life is all about, thank you for inspiring so many of us with chasing your dream and in part our own. Rest in peace, you will be missed
Pat Reilly
January 28, 2016
May you rest in Peace Billy, but I doubt it! Your contemplating your next Run to see how fast you can go. Love ya' Man! Pat R
Patti Gage
January 27, 2016
What a legend! His hard work and his support of his loving family over the years speak volumes to persistence and never giving up.
DB, I am so sorry about your loss. I know you have been so proud of him. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Patti Gage
CS
January 27, 2016
That was an exciting Olympic year. He was great.
My sincere condolences to Bill Johnson's family and friends. He was a true gentleman and great competitor. May he rest in peace.
Shirley Failor
January 27, 2016
You showed those European people didn't you Bill.
Eloise
January 27, 2016
Dear Family, I raced up at Mt. Hood Meadows as a teenager. Billy was 5 years younger than me and my crowd, but he loved to ski with us older kids and we loved for him to join us. I remember one day with great powder skiing out in the trees with Bill and all of us having such a great time. Only bad thing! We had to hike out. I lost touch with Bill as I went on with my life, but I was always pleased to follow his racing success. My heart is with all of you.
terry martini
January 26, 2016
rest in peace and keep skiing in heaven!
Julio Rodriguez
January 26, 2016
Sad ending to a tragic story. One of the most compelling sport stories and personalities of our time. He suffered long enough. Thanks for the memories.
Sybil Mathias
January 26, 2016
Rest in peace
Pamela Strong
January 26, 2016
"A good reputation is better than good oil" says Ecclesiastes 7:1. Bill Johnson carved out a good reputation for himself in the world of sports. He will be remembered. I pray that his sons can find comfort in their fondest memories of time spent with their father.
January 26, 2016
May family and friends keep the fond memories and good times close in their hearts and minds. God love you and he will give you the strength to to endure this time of deep sorrow. Know that God love and care for you.
derek chubb
January 25, 2016
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. Your pain is over, but your spirit will forever live on with all of us who marveled at your gift and who shared the rush of a day well-spent on fresh corduroy. Save me a spot in line 'cuz I know you'll be at the bottom ahead of me.
Wright
January 25, 2016
To the Johnson family, friends, colleagues and fans : The sports world will miss him and his accomplishments.Thank you for sharing him with us. Our heartfelt condolences to all.May the God of comfort, comfort all during the difficult days ahead.
Gail
January 25, 2016
B. May you spend eternity racing down the slopes, with a smile on your face, and a piece of candy in your mouth. Love, G.
January 25, 2016
Our prayers and condolences go out to the family and fans of Bill Johnson. He believed in himself and his abilities and that helped reach his goals in life. Cherish the many memories in your hearts that you have of him. May God Almighty continue to give all of you strength, courage and peace in the difficult days ahead. Read Isa. 43:10, 13
January 25, 2016
Johnson truly made a name for himself and through his success showed a spirt of "never giving up in life" for what you want. My sincere condolences to the family for your loss, and may the God of all comfort become the Source of strength and help you endure this moments of sadness in your family.
January 25, 2016
I am sorry to hear of the loss of this talented individual. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. It is comforting to know that he is sleeping peacefully in death no longer battling the illness that he battled for so long. Soon there will be a time when no more sickness or death will be a part of our lives. This will be accomplished by means of God's Kingdom in which we pray for in the Lord's Prayer at Matthew 6:9,10. Once more I am very sorry for your loss.
Joe
January 25, 2016
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, MAY THE GOD THAT GIVES COMFORT
BE WITH YOU IN YOUR TIME OF GREIF. 2 Corinth 1: 3,
Pat Harding
January 25, 2016
Our sincere condolences to Bill's family and friends. I remember cheering him on during his performances in the Olympics. What a competitor! U-S-A! U-S-A!
ADM
January 25, 2016
Sorry for your loss. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Tammy Davis
January 25, 2016
My deepest sympathies for the Johnson family and friends. Keep you in our prayers.
RA
January 24, 2016
My condolences to the Johnson family. I remember when he won gold in the 1984 Winter Olympics. I know with in this last decade his health hasn't been very good. May the Johnson family experience the peace that only God can give-Rom 15:33.
D Tyler
January 24, 2016
May the Johnson family experience strength and peace during this time of loss. Isaiah33:24. And please accept my deep dondolences
January 24, 2016
so, sorry for your loss, may the god of all comfort be with the family cm wis
J M
January 24, 2016
Both myself and my daughter were quite sad to hear the news. We were just talking a couple days before about how Bill was such nice man and a handsome young guy. He quite touched our hearts as there was one particular day where no one from my sister's ski team would ski with her as she was 7 years younger than most of the other racers. Bill said that he would ski with her and they had fun on that hill. My daughter liked to ski fast, g. s. was her favourite. The faster the better. She kept a signed copy of his picture with his gold medal up in her bedroom. Sometimes life gives some of us challenges and one does not know where items go. Thank you for the memory and may he rest in peace. Please realize how his kindness has touched others. He was a great skier! Our sincere condolences to the family.
January 24, 2016
My condolences to The Johnson Family. May the "Peace of God"(Phillipians 4:6,7) be with you as you cope with such a loss.
K M
January 24, 2016
I was very sad to hear the passing of a great skier, Bill Johnson. I had a gold medal sticker on my Samsonite suitcase with his name on it. That suitcase went to Indonesia and all over Europe. My mom who gave me that sticker was really proud of that gold sticker because my sister who ski raced spent a day skiing the slopes with Bill. He liked skiing with her because they really skied that mountain. My sister said that he was a nice guy. I offer heartfelt condolences to his family and may he find peace and never be forgotten as a great skier!
January 24, 2016
So sorry for your loss . May God comfort the family during this mournful period . Isaiah 61 : 2 .
Liz
January 24, 2016
You're free once again.
Gwen & Bobby Wells
January 24, 2016
Our deepest sympathies to the family. He will be fondly remembered. With love and prayers of comfort.
John
January 24, 2016
Top 3 Olympic thrills: Dave Wottle '74 Munich, U.S. Ice Hockey '80 Lake Placid,
Bill Johnson Downhill '84 Sarajevo.
Life gives lemons all too often, but every now and then it sends a peach. Thanks for the memories. See you on the other side.
S. S
January 23, 2016
Bill Johnson made Oregon and the USA proud. ❤
January 23, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the Johnson family. Bill left quite a legacy. I am sure he is resting in eternal peace.
January 23, 2016
Dear Tyler and Nick, sending my condolences to you, other family members and friends for the loss of your father and friend. May God give you strength and peace during this difficult time. (Jeremiah 29:11) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
JEFF RICKER
January 23, 2016
Ski Fast Forever!
January 23, 2016
Beloveds, so saddened to hear about Bill Johnson's passing. May God's loyal love comfort you all through this difficult time . . . Psalms119:76
S S
January 23, 2016
My deepest condolences go to the family of Bill Johnson, a true Olympic legend. May the God of all comfort be with you during this mournful time.
Marc
January 23, 2016
Tyler and Nick,
I send you my most sincere condolences for the loss of your father. Though the world knew him as a great man in sports, you knew him as a dad. May your sorrow not last very long and your cherished memories of him last forever. I hope you are comforted by these words, "God is our refuge and strength, a help that is readily found in times of distress" (Psalm 46:1).
KM
January 23, 2016
I am sorry for your loss. Please find peace and confort in knowing God cares for you and will help you in your time of need. At 1 Peter 5;7, He invites you to "throw all your anxiety upon Him." Continue to rely on Him for strength during this difficult time.
January 23, 2016
May the love of God Almighty be with the family,and may you enjoy his comfort and blessing.......
January 23, 2016
Sending prayers ~
January 23, 2016
I am truly sorry for your loss. May God give you peace during this difficult time. Psalms 29:11
Scott Chamberland
January 23, 2016
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
RW
January 23, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to the Johnson family. May the most high God comfort the family during this time - Psalms 83: 18.
R. W.
January 23, 2016
May my condolences reach the heart of the family and all who new of Bill Johnson. (1Thess.4:14) Can bring you some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have loss in death can be so reassuring. May God of peace and comfort be with you and your family. He will be miss but not forgotten. R.W.Ohio
K. J.
January 23, 2016
Life brings on twists and turns throughout our lives. For Bill he was able to achieve Olympian Gold. His life kept going through events that eventually ended his competition. But I'm sure the drive was still there for the remainder of his life. We can see him again under perfect conditions.
January 23, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Charise Morgan
January 23, 2016
"At that time the lame will leap like a deer."-Isaiah 35:6. Perfection will be the condition that your loved one will be resurrected in on a paradise earth. You can rejoice with this promise from our Grand Creator.
Ms. Morgan
January 23, 2016
He was a fighter a true Olympian. May God give you strength as you mourn the loss of a dear soul.
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
January 23, 2016
In God's care, rest in peace.
January 23, 2016
My condolences to his family. May our Heavenly Father provide strength and comfort to your family during this time of grief. "For he is near to those broken at heart ". Ps 34:17,18
F Montag
January 23, 2016
Such skill and talent. I wish I had his passion again. My thoughts go out to his family and many friends. He has rejoined the endless, sparkling river.
January 23, 2016
My condolences on your loss and may God's promises of life again on paradise earth bring you comfort and hope ( Matthew 11 : 25 ).
Tyler Foss
January 22, 2016
Rest in peace, Bill Johnson. Thank you for showing us the courage a person needs - laying it all on the line - to succeed.
Chuck G
January 22, 2016
My condolences to the family of Bill Johnson, I remember him very well along with his accomplishments.
Bill its ok to be confident because you delivered and won the gold!
Rest in peace
January 22, 2016
what a great spirit! Bill Johnson lived life with only one thought , 'The Moment". I will remember him for as long as I live. RIP
Paul Schectman
January 22, 2016
Rest in Peace Bill. You were a downhill ski warrior.
Harry Simpson
January 22, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
M S
January 22, 2016
I would like to send my condolences to the family . May the God of tender mercy be with you at this time( Isaiah 61:1,2
Williams
January 22, 2016
So sorry to hear of a man so talented losing his life at the end. He brought a lot of encouragement to all who knew and loved him. May now he rest in peace away from all his earthly pains. God brings us relief from the pains of death.Hosea 14:13
January 22, 2016
EXPRESSING MY PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES.
IN GOD WE TRUST .
January 22, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family. May Gods lying and kind words found in Jeremiah 29:11,12 give you a measure of comfort at this time.
Linda
January 22, 2016
sad for the family - a true athlete
Jon Moore
January 22, 2016
I loved watching you ski Bill may you rest in peace. My condolences to the family.
January 22, 2016
I would like to express my sincerest condolences to your family. May God comfort you, and grant you much peace (Numbers 6:24-26) may the precious memories shared between you give you much comfort throughout your loss.
Terry H.
January 22, 2016
He was a true American athlete. He was full on a 100% of the time. Very sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family and friends.
John O'Connor
January 22, 2016
Sad ending for a very talented and nice guy. Condolences to his family.
James Ortiz
January 22, 2016
Bill was a great athlete. Condolences to the family.
Ed & Sue Wydra
January 22, 2016
He gave us so much to be proud of that year.
What a thrill ..he backed his promise and
that's always the most fun. Europeans were
not happy an american beat them..one that
was fun too! Watched a documentary about him in the last few years. How sad..I hope
he's at peace now.
Showing 1 - 76 of 76 results
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