Richard Charles Johnson, age 70, passed away on October 09, 2025 in Costa Mesa, CA. Richard was born on February 03, 1955 in Santa Barbara, CA to Aldis and Margaret Johnson. He graduated from Estancia High School, Class of '73. He went on to attend Orange Coast College and Principia College. He spent time as a Forest Ranger in Southern CA and later started his business, Quality Tree Care.
Richard loved nature from his early years. While vacationing in the Florida Everglades, he survived a rattlesnake bite while trying to save a snake from being run over on the highway. He participated in many sports throughout his lifetime; baseball, soccer, track & field, swimming, rowing (at OCC) and mountaineering to name a few. As an adult he became a Pacific Crest Trail section hiker and he studied Jiu Jitsu. He looked forward every spring to spending time on his northwest properties. He found his strength in the Lord and started every morning in prayer.
Richard was an avid recycler. Neighbors called him, "The Mayor of Elba Circle" due to his weekly rounds making sure that everyone's trash was in and out in a timely manner and he was always quick to lend a helping hand. He lived his values through action choosing his bicycle over a car for most journeys, a testament to his lifelong commitment to caring for the planet.
In 1988 he met Dianne Candlish and they were married in 2001. They were best friends who fell in love and built a wonderful life together. Richard cherished every moment that he spent with family.
Richard had a unique personality and an unwavering smile. He was passionate, warm, kind and known for his gentle spirit. He was described by a friend, "as being as big as the whole outdoors, his smile was infectious and if you needed help he was there".
He is survived by his wife, Dianne Johnson; step-children, Jennifer (Jason) Sweet and Christopher (Jaime) Candlish; step-grandchildren, Taylor Sweet, Jordyn Candlish, Nathan Sweet, Ruby Candlish, Macy Candlish, Campbell Candlish; siblings, David (Susan) Johnson and Jane Johnson (Dean) Boesen; nephews,
Jerry Wade and Michael (Shayla) Johnson; niece, Kristen Johnson (Michael) Slocum.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Aldis and Margaret Johnson; step-son, Richard Candlish; sister, Joyce Johnson Wade; brother-in-law, Lonnie Dean Boesen.
Forever in our hearts, Rest in peace.
A memorial service with reception immediately following will take place on
Saturday, February 28,2026 at Harbor Trinity Church in Costa Mesa CA.
All who knew and loved Richard are welcome.
Richard loved nature from his early years. While vacationing in the Florida Everglades, he survived a rattlesnake bite while trying to save a snake from being run over on the highway. He participated in many sports throughout his lifetime; baseball, soccer, track & field, swimming, rowing (at OCC) and mountaineering to name a few. As an adult he became a Pacific Crest Trail section hiker and he studied Jiu Jitsu. He looked forward every spring to spending time on his northwest properties. He found his strength in the Lord and started every morning in prayer.
Richard was an avid recycler. Neighbors called him, "The Mayor of Elba Circle" due to his weekly rounds making sure that everyone's trash was in and out in a timely manner and he was always quick to lend a helping hand. He lived his values through action choosing his bicycle over a car for most journeys, a testament to his lifelong commitment to caring for the planet.
In 1988 he met Dianne Candlish and they were married in 2001. They were best friends who fell in love and built a wonderful life together. Richard cherished every moment that he spent with family.
Richard had a unique personality and an unwavering smile. He was passionate, warm, kind and known for his gentle spirit. He was described by a friend, "as being as big as the whole outdoors, his smile was infectious and if you needed help he was there".
He is survived by his wife, Dianne Johnson; step-children, Jennifer (Jason) Sweet and Christopher (Jaime) Candlish; step-grandchildren, Taylor Sweet, Jordyn Candlish, Nathan Sweet, Ruby Candlish, Macy Candlish, Campbell Candlish; siblings, David (Susan) Johnson and Jane Johnson (Dean) Boesen; nephews,
Jerry Wade and Michael (Shayla) Johnson; niece, Kristen Johnson (Michael) Slocum.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Aldis and Margaret Johnson; step-son, Richard Candlish; sister, Joyce Johnson Wade; brother-in-law, Lonnie Dean Boesen.
Forever in our hearts, Rest in peace.
A memorial service with reception immediately following will take place on
Saturday, February 28,2026 at Harbor Trinity Church in Costa Mesa CA.
All who knew and loved Richard are welcome.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Charles Johnson, please visit our flower store.
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