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Loren Paul Johnson
1954 - 2010
Loren Paul Johnson
1954 - 2010
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1954
DIED
2010
Loren Johnson Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Bakersfield Californian.
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J. W. Smith Jr
October 6, 2024
When I first meet him he seemed to be a nice man. We had a good conversation about me working at CIR as a temp.
J. Smith
October 6, 2023
Boss it seems like yesterday we were at our annual Christmas weekend dinner. I remember that weekend because you talked me into eating lobster for the first time and I’ve been loving it ever since. You were an awesome human being and I wish you rest in heaven for always Boss. and by the way my youngest son of 3 just graduated hs this year and he’s in college he has his associates and working on his bachelor’s degree while working overnight at Amazon. Plus I just had my 7th grandchild so now I have 6 girls and 1 boy.
JW Smith
October 6, 2020
My heart felt condolences once again
JW Smith Jr
October 8, 2019
This Man is as truly a blessing to me and mine. From the moment I started working at CIR to the day it left he was a great man and manager. I started out a temp and left the first Black foreman in CIRs history! He gave me that opportunity and Ill always thank him for it. I how his love ones remember his love and kindness forever. And to his son Rodney. If your reading this, or anyone else who knows Rodney please pass on my phone number. So we can catch. #4697661684 . In in Dallas, Tx now. God Bless J.W.
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Mitch Brand
October 7, 2019
I think about Loren often and talk about him when I speak of my job history. I talk about what a great job experience it was when Loren and I opened the Bakersfield store together and together got it up and running successfully while having so much fun together. I'll never forget when the warehouse was but a shell when we were putting up shelving and singing out loud with the boom box and it echoed through the 15,000 sq ft space. We were close in age which made our connection so relatable. RIP my ole friend, we'll never forget you. Mitch.
Jw & Jaeshawn
Jw Smith
August 7, 2016
I could never thank this gentleman enough for allowing me to work for CIR in the mid to late no ties. Best boss I've ever had.... God bless him and his family.. Jw Smith Jr
your sister Carol
November 17, 2011
my dear brother...you are forever in my heart
Kathy Torchia
November 11, 2010
Lynn,
I just wanted to tell you that hearing your kids talk at Loren's service, and to hear your son sing Loren's songs and play his guitar, was a wonderful tribute. You should be very proud. They did a wonderful job. It was beautiful the way they honored him. Everyone who spoke added to the legacy of Loren. All of us left feeling like we know Loren even more. And consequently, miss him that much more.
It is sure lonely here at Grainger without him. He will be missed every day.
Take care, Lynn. Loren and you will be remembered in my prayers.
November 9, 2010
For my dear brother Loren: it has been one month since you left this earth to join Dad and our Lord in Heaven. Over this last month I have gone through so many pictures and relived in my mind all the wonderful memories, 55 years worth for me...all good positive, some difficult, some hilarious, but none bad. You were the best brother, and I know the best son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend any person could ask for...a true blessing for all you touched. It is difficult to put into words how much you are loved and missed, but easy to say that the loss of your presence with us is deafening. Your loving sister, Marlys
November 8, 2010
I was just going online to keep the guest book going, and it had already been done by a friend. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I still can't believe he's gone, and not a day goes by that I don't hear his laughter, his music, his legacy...I miss you dad, my life is forever changed by your absence. I know you are with Jesus, singing and in perfect peace with our heavenly Father. It will only be the blink of an eye before we are reunited. I love you and miss you more than words can say... ~Kati
November 1, 2010
My big brother is the best! I love you Loren....for always....Carol <3
Carl & Ericka Lemburg
October 28, 2010
Lynn, Kati and Rodney, Ericka and I send our deepest condolences to your entire family. Always remembered in our hearts for the wonderful Man, Husband, Father and friend he was to all of us. Wow, he will be greatly missed. We both enjoyed the time we had working with Loren at C.I.R when he was our boss at the Bakersfield Branch, the memories will last a lifetime. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tage Born
October 26, 2010
Lynn, Rod and Anne,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have been priveleged to witness the strong loving bond you all share. This love will see you through. Tony lost both his mother and father this summer within 36 hours of each other....we understand....
Love to you all.
Dave Molendyk
October 22, 2010
I have met Loren just a few times, once a year in fact, at the National Grainger meetings. He had a very calm demeanor and always greeted me with a welcoming smile. I never knew he was such a musician!...As Billy Joel once sang, "Only The Good Die Young." He was undoubtedly a good man and I am so honored to have known him. God bless you Loren.
Nick Chamani
October 18, 2010
Dear Johnson family, I knew Loren through work activities at Grainger and would see him on occation. We talked only a few times, but I will always remember his smile. I am sorry for your loss, but am very happy to hear that he knew the Lord! God bless you and your family.
Phil 1:6
Nick Chamani
Account Manager
Grainger
Sarah Gibson
October 18, 2010
I was so sad to hear this news. I was little when I last saw Loren, so I don't remember much about him. He and my dad, John Dack, were friends though, and I know they shared many fun memories. Also, the love of music and the Lord. I know my dad was blessed to have known Loren. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Julie Barker
October 15, 2010
Dear Lynn and Family: Even though I didn't know Loren, I know Lynn and what a wonderful, compassionate woman she is. You know she had to be supported by her caring and supportive husband and family for the great work she has done helping the women of Bakersfield provide the most nutritious and healthy food to their infants and toddlers. God Bless You Lynn and Family. My family and I are praying for Lynn and her family, especially for Loren. God Bless Loren.
Julie Barker (Auberry, CA)
October 15, 2010
To all you Dear, dear Johnsons, for those of you who know me (for those of you who don't, I caught the boquet at Lynn and Loren's wedding - not on purpose, I was just trying to get a piece of cake, who knew Lynn had such a strong arm! ) All my thoughts and prayers are with you today. Growing up with Loren (and Lynn) in Easton was a joy and I will always be grateful for all the wonderful memories of all you dear Johnsons. Lorens sweet soul was a gift to us all. His musical talent was unsurpassed. His honor and decency as a human being was an example to us all. Thanks for this opportunity to share my thoughts, Julie Moran Romagnoli
Mitch Brand
October 15, 2010
Dear Johnson family; I, like so many, I loved Loren very much. He was like a brother, and maybe even at times a father. I just can't believe I'm not there right now.
I have always looked up to Loren as man that loved the Lord, and feared God; as a man of integrity, and great mentor. Loren was the best boss I ever had, and a great co-worker, when "together", we opened the CIR store in Bakersfield not so many years ago. Those were some of the best times of my life.
I could go on for hours with stories from work and times at your house, I'll save that for when we can all visit in person.
The common interests Loren and I had in our careers, and love for music, gave us a very special bond. He was someone who got my humor, and I got his. I loved his laugh. Whenever I called him, and when he answered, I'd yell out to him in a silly voice:�"Mr. J-o-h-n-s-o-n", and he would just start laughing and say yell back:�"M-i-t-c-h"!
I know Loren loved you and the wonderful family you created together. I know he was very proud of you Lynn, and your wonderful works in life too.
My friend Loren Johnson will leave a great legacy, as he was a proud and humble son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend.
I know right now, it's Loren's turn, to sit in his heavenly Father's lap, getting some well deserved hugs, and hearing HIM say to Loren:�"well done my son, well done".
With all my love, many blessings, and.... love em like Jesus!
Your friend, and family member ;-)
Mitch Brand
Sacramento, CA
Rich and Wendy Mette
October 14, 2010
Anne and Rod - Our deepest sympathies to your family. Loren's greatest tribute will be the legacy he has left in his children and grandchildren. Our prayers are with you.
Wayne Bernstein
October 14, 2010
I will miss my cousin Loren deeply. I remember the first time I visited Fresno, independent of parents, in 1974. I stayed with Steve and Loren in a little house outside of Fresno in the middle of a field. Steve and Loren introduced me to what they considered "real" music i.e. Pink Floyd and Blue Oyster Cult just to name a few. I remember staying up all night with Steve and Loren alternating between listening to albums of "real" music, and them singing and playing guitar, and then watching the sun rise. What a great trip that was.
October 14, 2010
Loren came to work for CIR in March, 1976. I was his boss. I immediately was impressed with how well he got along with everyone, whether it was a customer or fellow employee. I could see he was a hard worker and quick learner. Above all, he was a family man and a man of God and had a great deal of maturity as a young man. It has been a great shock to learn of his passing and he will be greatly missed. All of us at CIR wish Lynn and her family our deepest
condolences. Jim Morishita - Fresno
Karrie Fonseca
October 14, 2010
All of us at Branch 743 send our wishes and kind thoughts to his family. I had a few encounters with him in my travels and he was always a delight.
Duane Liestman
October 14, 2010
I had the pleasure of working with Loren for several years at Grainger. He was one of the kindest, most good natured, most positive people I have ever met. Debi and I extend our sincere condolences to Lynn and family.
Tracy Dillon
October 14, 2010
What a wonderfully written tribute. I worked with Loren at Grainger and I can truly say he was one of the most friendly, positive and always smiling people you could ever meet. He clearly has a loving family and I know he will be missed by everyone. My condolences to all who knew Loren. Peace.
October 14, 2010
From Branch 742 , Rohnert Park Ca. Our staff wishes to convey our condolences to Loren's family and Friends. It is always sad to hear of a lost in the Grainger Family . Take Care .
October 13, 2010
Loren will be greatly missed. I had the pleasure of knowing him for about 15 years. We were able to travel to Cleveland Ohio once a few years ago together, and to Florida this past winter. His faith, pride in his family, dedication to his job, and most of all his faith in God made Loren one of my most admired friends. He will be greatly missed by me. Dave Eagle (Grimmway Farms)
Karen Galvin
October 13, 2010
I had the pleasure of working with Loren at Grainger. Loren often spoke of his loving wife, children and grandchildren. I'm in such shock that he is gone. He was a true professional. He was such a nice guy and always a joy to talk to. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Ann Maras
October 13, 2010
I also worked with Loren at Grainger.
During a difficult family time for me he would remember to ask how I was doing and give me encouragement. -That revealed what a kind person Loren was to me.
His laugh and smile were infectious!
I offer my sincere condolences and wish for strength for his family and close friends. -Bless you all.
Ann Maras
October 13, 2010
I am truly sorry to hear of Loren's passing. I have known him when he worked for California Rubber and Grainger. It is a great loss of a friend of close to 25 years. My thoughts and prayer are with Lynn and the Family. Tommy Buckley, Green Valley Packers, Arvin, CA.
Loren Havranek
October 13, 2010
It's clear from your beautifully written tribute that Loren was a very well loved man. I had the pleasure of being part of the team that brought him on board at Grainger. His easy going, "low key" manner and ready laugh always made him a pleasure to work with. I'm very sorry for your loss and hope it brings some comfort to know that those Loren impacted are keeping you in thoughts and prayers.
Guy & Carolyn Wilson
October 13, 2010
Loren was such a wonderful blessing to our family,
He chose to love our son, Justin, as his own and accepted our family, flaws and all.
He was a loving, gentle, christian man that loved his family so much and was not afraid to show that.
I will never forget him coming into our house carrying the ham for the Easter dinner (he was such a wonderful cook!) and then he dropped it right on the floor. He didn't go balistic, he just picked it up and cleaned it off, and we all enjoyed that delicious ham!!! That was Loren.
He reflected the Lord in his gentle nature, his kindness, his love for his family, and for all of us who knew him.
You will be in our hearts forever Loren. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your wonderful life....We love you and we will miss you so much.
You have left a beautiful legacy Loren and we feel so honored to have been a part of such a wonderful family.
We are praying that Lynn, Kati, Rodney, and their families will feel the comfort that only God can give at this time of great loss.
We love you.
Guy and Carolyn Wilson
Grainger 054
October 13, 2010
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever, from his Grainger Family.
Chris Towers
October 13, 2010
I was lucky enough to work with Loren throughout the time he was at Grainger and I can say it was always a pleasure. I am so sorry to hear about his passing. Please accept my condolences.
October 13, 2010
Our deepest, deepest condolences to your entire family. And to Lynn, Kati and Rodney, may the love, strength and bond you share as a family help you through this time and remind you of the wonderful family your father helped build. Rejoice in the fact that he is with the Lord and let smiles filter through the tears as you remember and share wonderful memories of a wonderful man. Melanie has shared her wonderful memories and I know that everytime I was in the presence of Loren it was evident that he was a very kind, gentle and loving man. Megan McGraw, Bakersfield
Kathy Mills
October 13, 2010
Hi Lynn
John and I are so sorry about Loren. He was always so good to me when he was my boss at CIR. He was so good to very one. My thoughts are with you.
Love
John and Kathy Mills
melanie stevenson
October 12, 2010
I had the pleasure of knowing Loren as an unofficial adopted daughter. I remember how endearing it was to watch him lovingly tuck his children in to bed, or to ask Kati which tie best matched his work shirt. Loren always made me laugh and I will never forget how peaceful and loving the Johnson home was. He will be missed greatly.
October 12, 2010
Laura and Don Gardner
Bill Little
October 12, 2010
I knew Loren from CIR in the 90's,we always looked forward to the Farside cartoons/calenders on our supply runs.
He knew customer service,he would drop what he was doing in the office if the counter started getting busy and jump in making hoses,getting belts or writing invoises.I ran into him on a parts run 2 or 3 years ago at Grainger.
What a great man,sorry for your loss.
Kevin & Molly Johnson
October 12, 2010
Rod and Anne, we are so sorry to hear about Loren. Have Faith, and heal in time.
Jim Bernstein
October 12, 2010
Loren is my cousin and I remember him as a little boy who was a special joy to his paternal grandparents Walt and Ethel Johnson of Minneapolis. When the four of us boy cousins (Steve, John, Loren and I) would do something foolish or not approved by the adults, Steve, John and I would always catch it but Loren, the youngest, was always the innocent one, and as Grandma Johnson would say, "he such an angel".
I am especially grateful for the day I spent with Loren a couple of years ago when I took him on the Johnson Family History Tour in Minneapolis. We had a wonderful day together and shared lots of thoughts and memories. Steve and Loren and I met for breakfast that morning at the Uptown Diner in south Minneapolis where I meet a group of friends every Friday morning. Jo, our regular waitress, met Loren that morning and Loren kept telling her how much he enjoyed the breakfast. To this day, from time-to-time she asks "When is that cousin of yours from California coming back, none of my customers has ever enjoyed his breakfast as much as he did." When I tell her on Friday that Loren will not be coming back, there will be a tear in her eye and she will remember him.
At the end, our lives are an elegant tapestry of what other people remember about us and what they cherish and value about us. As I remember my cousin Loren, I am so very grateful and so proud that Loren was part of my life. Thankfully, there will be those times when one hears a sound or a word or visits a place or touches an object, which brings a smile and joy to the moment and we say, "I remember Loren . . ."
Jane Scheidt
October 12, 2010
Loren showed the world what it was to BE a Christian, not just to say you were one. You will be missed, and only God knows why you had to leave so soon, and you His willing and trusting servant, followed His plan. Your family will be watched and loved by their many loving friends, family. Will miss you Loren.
Jennifer Bennett
October 12, 2010
Uncle Loren, You will be greatly missed! I have wonderful memories to hold on to--thank you for those. We love you so much, and will see you again another day. Jenny, Jimmie and Adeline Bennett
David Buckner
October 12, 2010
Beryl and myself very much enjoyed Loren's singing and playing in Church. He had a great "Folk Style" voice. He was very dedicated to playing nearly every Sunday, nearly without fail. He was kind and jovial and just a great guy. We are all at a loss to understand why he was taken so soon, but we will not soon forget how his singing touched us in a very special way. David & Beryl Buckner
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