Lance Alden Johnson

Lance Alden Johnson, lovingly known as "O'Pa," passed away peacefully at home February 6, 2026 in Half Moon Bay, California, at the age of 82. Born September 21, 1943 in San Francisco, Lance lived a life filled with creativity, adventure, and a deep love of family.


A graduate of Hillsdale High School's Class of 1961, Lance went on to study Architecture, Planning, and Economics at UC Berkeley. Driven by both adventure and a desire to connect with his roots, he then worked on a freightliner in order to travel to Sweden and Norway. In the late 1960s, he served two tours with the Peace Corps, doing civil engineering and construction on water systems in Sotik, Kenya. This experience inspired his enduring love of engineering and design and strengthened his understanding of our universal desire to make a meaningful positive impact in the world.


His career began in regional planning with the URS Corporation in Palo Alto before shifting gears to a more hands-on path in residential design and construction. As the owner and designer-builder of ALDEN HOUSE (named in honor of his father, Alden Johnson)—a business he started in 1977 and ran until the 2020's—Lance brought his passion of quality craftsmanship to life through his work.


Lance's life was defined by exploration and discovery. Whether biking solo multiple times down Highway 1 from Half Moon Bay to San Luis Obispo—once at age 60—or paddling or windsurfing in various spots throughout the Peninsula Bay Area, Lance embraced every opportunity for adventure. He was an avid runner in his younger years who later found pleasure in walking his dog, Maggie, along the bluffs of Half Moon Bay. He was happiest when he was home with family or active out in the fresh air.


Creativity and invention was at the heart of Lance’s life. He expressed himself through watercolor and digital painting, cartooning, cooking, puzzles, and photographing the outdoors and loved ones. He was a gifted storyteller, and his humor, authenticity and humble nature shone through in every story he told—a gift that endeared him to all who knew him.


Above all else, Lance was a devoted family man. He shared 54 years of marriage with his wife Nancy Havighurst Johnson. Together they built a life rich with love and cherished memories. Lance was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Rebecca Goodell, his parents Lois and Alden Johnson, and other cherished family members.


Lance is survived by his wife Nancy, his daughter Darcy Price and her husband Mike Price, son-in-law David Goodell, grandchildren Tessa and Addison Goodell and Selby Price, brother Norm Johnson and his wife Barbara, Aunt Helen Johnson, and sister-in-law Gayatri Havighurst. He also leaves behind a large and devoted extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.


Lance’s kindness extended beyond his family to all animals as well. He was a devoted and loyal companion to his dogs, who went everywhere with him, even to work. He was preceded in death by his beloved dog, Maggie, by just five days, a testament to the deep bond they shared.


Those who knew Lance will remember him as genuine and loving—a man full of integrity who brought a spark of joy into every room he entered. May Lance Alden Johnson’s memory bring comfort to those who loved him and inspiration to all who hear his story.

In memory of Lance Johnson, please consider a contribution to the following nonprofits based in Half Moon Bay, CA: ALAS at www.alasdreams.com or SeaHugger at www.seahugger.org.