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Richard Johnston Obituary
Richard was larger than life, a great force and did nothing small.
Born in Kankakee, Ill, Richard's family relocated to Southern California when he was young and impressionable. Surfing and the emergence of the LA design scene formed his aesthetic for life. Attending ceramic artist Marguirite Wildenhain's Pond Farm, El Camino College, working for Charles and Ray Eames, led him to Cranbrook Academy of Art earning an MFA in small metals. Upon graduation, Richard was lured to the mountains of Utah in a Porche convertable by Doug Snow, also a Cranbrook graduate. He would spend the next 25 years teaching hundreds of students, building a legacy of public work and establishing The Depot in North Salt Lake. He transitioned from Director of the Salt Lake Art Center to founding Director of the Robert Fullerton Museum of Art at California State University San Bernardino and Professor of Art for the next 25 years, retiring to northern Utah.
Richard leaves his loving wife Nadra Haffar, brother Dale (Elsa), sister Sheri (Larry Walker), son Tyler (Kelly), son Jacob (Andi), daughter Jessica, step daughter Alia, grandchildren Ella, Connor, Garrett, Sadie and Tigerlily. He also leaves hundreds of artists, teachers and public work as a legacy.
Please make donations to your local arts organizations, The U of U Body Donor Program, Gift of Life Program, Lewy Body Dementia Association.
Celebration of Life open house at Phillips Gallery, 444 E 200 S, Salt Lake City on January 6, 2018, 4-6 pm. The January edition of 15 Bytes will feature his legacy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Johnston
H. James and Char Stewart
August 13, 2023
What a loss.
It is 2023 and the news of your passing just came to us Jim and I are heartbroken. Richard you left us with the best memories and that we say thank you for. Sending love to all family members, The H.J.Stewart Family
Stella Stauffer
July 31, 2019
I just found out today that the world has lost a great person.
I'm so glad I was part of your artistic world when you were teaching in San Bernardino. You gave so much to all of your students.
Rest in peace, dear Mr. Johnston.
You remain in the memory part of my heart forever.
Stella Jane Stauffer
Sharon Vandermeiden
December 31, 2017
I was very sorry to hear of his passing. He was a huge factor in mentoring me for museum studies and Gallery Preparator. He was also an extreme factor in the development of my sculpture work. Always accessible and generous with his time and advice. He hired me at CSUSB after grad school and was the inspiration I needed to have confidence to go to grad school in the first place. No one believed in me more. Until I was writing this I hadn't assessed how many doors he opened for me, and so many others. He was always working and sharing. May he Rest In Peace.
Pat
December 20, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. May you rely on God through prayer, pouring out your deepest emotions. He cares for you and wants to strengthen and comfort you. Please accept my condolences.
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Lori R.
December 18, 2017
What a gifted man who gave many budding artists inspiration and knowledge. I pray in sympathy for you Jessica and Sadie, and the rest of your family.
December 18, 2017
My deepest sympathy to Richard's family. May God strengthen and comfort you.
Psalm 94:18,19
Merri Bair
December 18, 2017
Grandpa T. was a kind and caring man.
He was a wonderful father to John and taught him that love, dedication, and hard work shape the man you will become.
Shauna, Hannah, Nora, loved the studio and spending many hours creating art with Grandpa T.
I will cherish the memories.
Dad, you will be missed.
Kerry Kugelman
December 18, 2017
It was my great privilege to have known Richard Johnston as my instructor, boss, and mentor. His great energy for art and sensitivity to his students and colleagues produced a drive and urgency to his art practice that was inspiring and relentless.
We will always miss you, Richard. RIP
Vanessa Manzano
December 17, 2017
Richard was a wonderful teacher and a great influence in my life. Rest in peace.
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