Gerald Grant Johnson

Died in Healdsburg, California on September 16, 2010 after a long courageous battle with MDS (myelodisplastic syndrome). Born in Idaho Falls, ID, on October 31, 1932 and reared in Oakland, CA., Jerry served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He and his wife, Marion Zimmerman Johnson, met at Santa Rosa Junior College in 1953, and they were married in September of 1954. They had just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Jerry was the adored father of Barri Johnson Lehtola of Petaluma and Martin G. Johnson of Alameda, and he was the beloved grandfather of Nicole and Jon Lehtola and Blake and Sydney Johnson. Jerry graduated from University of California-Berkeley with a B.S. degree, earned a Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Washington and an MBA from Santa Clara University. He began his career working in aerospace for Boeing and Lockheed. Then he shifted his career to power plants and worked for Bechtel, Gibbs & Hill, Dravo and Calpine, for whom he designed power plants, including the NCPA power plant at The Geysers. Jerry is also survived by his brothers Robert F. Johnson (Patti) and Donald R. Johnson (Dolores), both of Placerville, and his sisters, Wanda K. Johnson, of Placerville, and Judy Johnson Hermosa, of Turlock; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jerry was a good, kind man and a terrific father with a wonderful sense of humor. He could repair and build anything. He loved Dixieland jazz, but other than his family, the real love of his life was sailing. He owned a sailboat and raced and sailed San Francisco Bay for over 50 years. He went down with all flags flying. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Donations may be made in Jerry's name to Roots of Motive Power in Willets, CA., where he enjoyed many hours of volunteer work. He also volunteered at the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association on the Hyde Street Pier in San Francisco and he was a member of the Santa Clara County Buddy Program for many years. At his request, no funeral services will be held.