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Lawrence Johnson Obituary
Lawrence Edwin Johnson "Larry"
Resident of San Jose
March 12, 1959 - Sept. 6, 2010
On September 6th Larry Johnson was coming to the end of a difficult bike ride. He had conquered the steep and arduous grade of Hicks Road and was coasting downhill on his way home to his wife. On this day, Larry lost control of his bike, crashed, and died immediately. Larry died while doing what he loved best. Although we struggle with the huge void he leaves behind in our lives, we find comfort in knowing that Larry is now in heaven with Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior.
Larry was born in Pasadena, California, which led to his love for the LA Dodgers at an early age. He graduated from Sonoma High School and San Jose State University. During his time at SJSU, Larry's favorite football team became the Spartans. That never changed. Larry was creative, sociable, and curious by nature, which led to his BA in Advertising. Larry refined his craft as a valued employee with the Milpitas Post, the San Jose Mercury News, Campbell Graphics and eventually as the founder of Off Madison Advertising Agency. In addition to his penchant for advertising, Larry loved to garden. This affection led Larry to his second career as a Master Gardener, employee of SummerWinds Nursery, and landscaper for InnVision.
Larry is survived by his adoring wife Camille, his father and stepmother Gordon and Priscilla Johnson (Turlock, CA), his sister Kimberlie Irwin and family (Seattle, WA), and his brother Paul Johnson and family (Salem, OR). Larry is also survived by many loving in-laws, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Larry's life will be held on Sunday, October 10 at 1:00 at Church of the Chimes, 1447 Bryan Avenue in San Jose (723-3600). All are welcome to attend. Attendees are encouraged to wear Dodger blue or Spartan blue and gold in remembrance of Larry.
Larry was known for his kind heart and readiness to help others. Donations in Larry's name may be made to the Barnabas Fund at Church of the Chimes, which helps those in need or to InnVision (www.InnVision.org), which offers shelter and support to the homeless.
"Well done good and faithful servant."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Johnson
Sponsored by Larry's loving friends.
Danny Mcgee
October 26, 2010
Thanks for being a great friend. Larry I don't think I've met a more Humble person, Danny McGee
October 9, 2010
Dear Camille and family,
We were shocked and saddened by the news of Larry's accident. We know that he is with his Savior, but he will be greatly missed. I always enjoyed seeing the two of you (Camille) together when you would visit Hood River. We are so sorry for your loss and please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Scott and Debbie Winters From Shepherd of the Valley Bible Church in Hood River, Oregon.
John Kofler
October 9, 2010
Can someone tell me where the service is going to be held? I want to be there tomorrow at 1.
[email protected]
John Kofler
October 3, 2010
Dear Camille, we feel for your great loss. Larry was a great guy. The guy's from "The Palm" will miss him, Delbert, Jose, John and others. The Lord and Standford Medcial Center willing we will try to make it there on October 10. Thanks Jose, for letting me know.
Sincerely,
John Kofler
Young Larry
Camille Johnson
October 2, 2010
Larry wearing his favorite team's jacket!
Camille Johnson
October 2, 2010
Cliff Jetton
September 30, 2010
Camile - I just learned from Jose Chapparro of Larry's passing. I was one of Larry's roommates at the "Palm Hotel" back at SJSU. We were in Campus Crusade together and he was truly among my very best friends during that time. A lot of memories will come to mind over the next few days. I'll post a few brief ones and I hope to pass more on to you at a later time. He was truly, truly a prince.
Much love.
September 29, 2010
you will be missed by all of us at Graduate House. Bill Rennels
Terry DeMars
September 29, 2010
Dear Camile,
I am very sad to hear of your loss and the loss of our friend and co-worker. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Larry during his many years of service with the Mercury News. He never ceased to make us smile. Peace be with you and your family.
Jim Haughey
September 27, 2010
Camille, sorry for your sudden loss. I remember your happiness on your wedding day and it was a privelege to know you and Larry at South Hills. May you find comfort knowing your separation is temporary.
September 27, 2010
God bless you, Camille, as you endure the painful loss of a truly great human being, your wonderful husband Larry, my good old friend. I am now sorry I had not seen him in so long, although we were starting to get back in touch via Facebook. I will always remember him. God's comfort and strength to you.
Jose Chaparro, Clovis, California
September 27, 2010
For Larry's family...
I will always remember Larry's wonderful smile and his gentle way of looking at life. In retrospect, he was really like a younger brother to so many of us at the Mercury News. He was always thoughtful. He often had a joke. He made everyone smile. He looked at the bright side of things. And reminded us what was really important in life. He made the world a much better place, and that is why he'll be truly missed - never forgotten.
Most sincerely,
Steve Yvaska
Larry - February 14, 2010
Camille Johnson
September 24, 2010
JB
September 22, 2010
Larry Buddy, Lar Buddy, LB - "Hey J, get thee behind me!"
Many remeberances of a great friend and wonderful guy: Celebrating LB's 21st b-day party with a keg of A&W root beer; reciting Issac Air Freight skits; LB as my groomsman wearing a mint green tux (well, Miami Vice and pastel colors WERE in at the time!); Larry and his 'famous' standing high jump; and scary moments like when insulin shock hit him while he was driving; but the pièce de résistance had to have been when we stole Robert's sheepskin seat cover out of his car 'just to teach Bob not to leave his car unlocked and the windows down' only to find out it wasn't Bob's seat cover (of course we felt so guilty we HAD to turn ourselves in to the Sonoma police who looked at us like we were nuts!).
Larry was a selfless guy who would give anyone the shirt off his back. Larry personified 'pay it forward,' a nod to the excellent examples set by Pastor and Kathy Johnson.
Though we most often joked like friends do, we also talked of things eternal; I admired Larry's simple, though not simplistic, faith. I think God would call Larry "A man after my own heart."
We will miss you LB. We look forward to seeing you when time has no meaning, and pray for the ones who have been left behind that they will carry forth your legacy to future generations.
Hiking in Tahoe - June 2010
Camille Johnson
September 21, 2010
Larry in Oregon
September 21, 2010
Larry in Hood River, OR
Camille Johnson
September 19, 2010
Terri Vellios
September 17, 2010
Dear Camille,
One can only imagine your grief. I was so saddened to read of your loss in the paper. My sincere and deepest sympathy goes out to you. May you find comfort in your treasured memories.
Linda Tirban
September 14, 2010
Dear Camille,
I am thinking of you and send you my deepest sympathy and pray for your strength in this time of such deep sorrow. I am saddened by your loss and the world’s loss of Larry. I worked with Larry at the San Jose Mercury News and remember him for his gentle kindness and that he was always smiling, willing to help and listen. I admired him for these qualities and his perseverance and tenaciousness. Please take comfort in knowing that he is safe, well and with God.
September 14, 2010
Mrs. Johnson:
I am very saddened to hear about Larry. He was one of the neatest guys I ever knew at the Mercury News -- totally good natured, and a very positive guy with a sense of humor. He was the kind of person you like to be around.
You are in our prayers for strength and peace.
Pat Murphy
September 14, 2010
To Camille,
Thinking of you and your family and extending deepest sympathy. I worked with
Larry in the Mercury News advertising
deparment. I always enjoyed our conversations while working the exercise track at the paper. He was a great guy.
David Gordon, Carlsbad, Ca
Veronica Hansen
September 14, 2010
Mrs. Johnson
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We love you and miss you very much. May the lord watch over you.
Forever Love,
The Hansen Family
Rob Magovern
September 13, 2010
Larry, a sweet-hearted guy, had a warm disposition and a smile to match it. With his flair for the dramatic, he was quick to help in any skit at the Mercury News, if only to put a smile on co-workers' faces. My condolences to all who knew Larry.
Leslie Hostak
September 13, 2010
As a friend of your sister Kimberlie and having met your father I know that Larry was a wonderful person that walked with the Lord. May he rest in peace. Prayers go out to all of his family.
September 12, 2010
As sister Kim's dear friend for years, I met Larry in Hawaii. He was such a sweetheart. I was horrified at his bike accident in l995 and am deeply saddened over this bike addicent that ended his life. I spent yesterday, a big chunk of it with Kim in Seattle and I was honored to be with her. Camille, I have heard alot about you and would love to meet you. I am WITH you two because I am a biker with recent ER experience and a former elementary teacher. Hugs and love, Joan Schultz Lake Oswego, Oregon
martin corley
September 12, 2010
Larry was a nice person.Hope you find comfort knowing he is at rest with the LORD JESUS. With deepest sympathy. Uncle Gene'Aunt Rochelle'Marty'and Randy Corley
Cindy Kruschel
September 12, 2010
Dear Cammille, Just want you to know that there is one more person out that that called Larry friend. We were neighbors and friends in our Jr. High and High school years. He was one of the people who was instrumental in encouraging me in my walk with God. Those years of hanging out with the Johnson family and riding around in the blue van are very good memories. So sorry for your loss. God IS gracious and merciful.
Bernie Sinsay
September 12, 2010
Larry:
I am a better person for having known you. As a colleague at work, you were always the positive influence who saw a bright spot in every situation. As a friend I always admired you for your tolerance, your huge heart and your never ending faith in God. I will miss you but I know the gardens on Earth and in Heaven will be greener and more fruitful with you watching over them. My condolences to Camille and your family.
September 11, 2010
Dear Mrs.Johnson,
I knew Larry in the 1990's when we both worked at the Mercury News. He helped me with information on how to cope with my mother's diabetes. My prayers are with you. Doris Gilmore-Sherwood
Jeannine Sommer
September 11, 2010
Dear Camille,
I am so sorry for your loss. Larry was such a great guy. His love of people, gardening and the Lord has been evident in all of his life. I was blessed to have had him in my life as an impressionable teen and young adult. I just wish my son would have gotten to know him better since we named him after "LB" (Lar Buddy). Had we not moved to Washington I'm sure he would have. I share your loss, Lar was like a brother to me. Love and prayers go out to you. Jeannine Sommer
Linda Mancuso
September 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Martinez Family
September 9, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss.
EMMC
September 9, 2010
Larry Johnson was a wonderful person. He was very sweet and caring.
We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Joe Prendergast and staff
Dico Singleton
September 9, 2010
Dear Mr. Johnson,
I am so sorry for your loss. Our family is praying for comfort and peace that only God can give.
The Singleton's
Kim Till
September 8, 2010
Dear Camille - I can't even begin to tell you how very deeply sorry I am for Larry's passing. He was like a little brother to me, too. He had a passion for the Lord, for cycling and a great love for his family and friends. Kathy and Andrew are rejoicing in their reunion, I'm sure. Love and prayers - Kim "Earl" Heineccius Till
Jennie Parker-Moreno
September 8, 2010
Mrs. Johnson was my 4th grade teacher 22 years ago, it breaks my heart to hear of this story. My thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family.
David Grubaugh
September 8, 2010
Larry it was my privilege to call you friend. May you find everlasting peace with our Father in Heaven. I will miss you… My sincere condolences to your wife and family.
Deana & Evan Anders
September 8, 2010
Camille, Our thoughts are with you. We love you.
Barb M
September 8, 2010
Larry ~ our loss, Heaven's gain. Your church family will miss you greatly.
Chris Migleo
September 8, 2010
Larry, I can still hear your voice and see your face. I will miss you. I will miss hearing you say that you are praying for me and asking me how you can pray for me. We asked Jesus to say hello to you last night. I look forward to seeing you again. I am honored to have known you. Thank you for your friendship. You now have no more health issues or struggles. My prayers now are for those left behind who will miss you. May God grant comfort and peace to all who are mourning the loss of a great friend, son, and husband.
September 8, 2010
Mrs. Johnson,
We are so deeply saddened by your loss. Our special thoughts and prayers are with you. We are here for you if you need anything at all.
The Chows
oliver plust
September 7, 2010
Dear Larry may you rest in peace. Your Struggles are over and you are with our Lord and Savior now. I will pray for your wife and family to find Peace in the mids of this Tragedy. I am honored to have known you and i will miss your Possitive Outlook on Life. i could not ask for a Better "Foxhole Buddy" . i will miss you at our Saturday Starbucks Meetings. May you Rest in Peace,Your Friend and Fellow "Freedom Fighter"
Pamm Downs
September 7, 2010
Sorry to hear of your loss. That's one tricky road to clmb or decend. Spoken from experience. May you be blessed with so many friends around you.
September 7, 2010
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you Mrs. Johnson. Your Fammatre family is here for you, thinking of you and missing you. Let us know how we can help. Our hearts go out to you for your loss.
Sanjit Chadha and the Mckibben's
September 7, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God richly bless you during this hard time. May God give you peace, healing and take care of you. God bless you!
The Schoeppler Family (Fammatre)
With Heavy Heart
September 7, 2010
So sorry to hear of your loss. May your sorrow be softened with the knowledge that Larry was doing something he loved. From a 49 year old fellow cyclist who fell hard, helmet first, going 20 mph+ this weekend who could have switched places with Larry so easily. Deepest condolences.
September 7, 2010
We are thinking of you Mrs. Johnson, and your family. There are not enough words to express our deepest sympathy.
With love,
The Hammer Family
September 7, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Johnson and her family. Your Fammatre family is loving you and thinking about you...Larry will be looking out for you and God will be looking out for him.
All our love.
Mike Moore
September 7, 2010
It is always sad to lose someone in the cycling family. I am very sorry for the family's loss and deepest condolences.
September 7, 2010
The Johnson family is in our prayers.
The Dixon Family
Glenn Irwin
September 7, 2010
Larry, you are now in Heaven and in the presence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I will miss your humor and love for life, your friend and brother in law. Love and God Bless Glenn Irwin
Kent, WA
Victoria Ybarra
September 7, 2010
To your Wife and Father Larry is now walking on the streets of Gold. I look around and can see you planting,climbing, pruning,watering and see you stopping to look at your work.I still need to ask you so many questions for the caring of the plants!
Your Heirloom tomatoes you brought me last week. I asked "do you know how to make tomato sauce to freeze it". "Look it up in the computor". "I will bring you more next week we have so many". Yesterday,I called Larry so many times I was so excited that I have a small tomato on my plant.God must need a "Master Gardener" up in Haven. There is a mexican song "Como Los Flores", all flowers have their seasons."You ran a good race" Good-by Larry I will miss you.In His Name With the Love of Christ, Vicki,Haven House and Triplex
R T
September 7, 2010
May your family find peace in the wake of your absence.
Cathy Audyski
September 7, 2010
I am saddened to hear what happened to Larry. He was so fun to work with and the sugar pumpkin seeds he gave me are growing. So sorry for your loss.
September 7, 2010
imsorry for youre lost god bless
Scott S.
September 7, 2010
Rest in peace, fellow cyclist. God bless you, your family, and your friends.
Brian Riley
September 7, 2010
My sincere condolences for your loss.
Talamantes Family
September 7, 2010
May God be with you in this time of sorrow. We are praying for your family.
Lisa A.
September 7, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear of another fellow cyclist dying on the road. Such a tragedy. May his family and friends find peace and be surrounded by love during this difficult time...
Ped Valdez
September 7, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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