Darryl Felton Johnson

1948 - 2018

March 25, 1948 - March 3, 2018 Darryl F. Johnson, 69, passed away unexpectedly on March 3rd in Carson, CA. He was living life to the fullest having just spent time in DC advocating for credit unions and on his return attended the UCLA Chancellor's Cabinet Dinner. In his last days he was with the friends and colleagues who were so dear to him. As the son of Lawrence and Bertha Johnson he was raised in a military family and lived and traveled extensively. He attended 16 schools by the time he graduated college. From elementary school in Marseille, France to integrating schools in the 8th and 9th grades in Virginia to graduating from Seoul-American High School in South Korea where he was student body president, captain of the basketball team and base radio DJ. He was awarded a full ROTC scholarship and chose to attend UCLA where he served as Bruin Brigade Commander. Darryl was a UCLA Bruin twice over with a BA in psychology and a Certificate from the Anderson Executive Program. He also holds an MA in Public Administration from Golden Gate University. Upon graduation from UCLA he began his service with US Army, Special Forces, Medical Services Corp. His active duty years took him to Ft. Bragg, NC, South Korea near the DMZ and Fort Ord, CA. He left active duty in 1978 due to family illness and continued to serve in the Army Reserves where he retired as a Colonel. His corporate career began at Hughes Aircraft (now Raytheon Systems Company) where he was a Material Program Administrator and Laboratory Manager before retiring as Executive in charge of Enterprise Services in 2003. Darryl served on the UCLA Foundation Board of Directors, the Alumni Association Board, School of Nursing, Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, UCLA Fund, Centennial Campaign Cabinet, Academic Advancement Program, Blue Shield, Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, and the Bruin Caucus Council. He was an avid men's basketball and football fan and his passion for UCLA was acknowledged as recipient of the 2016 UCLA University Service Award. Darryl also served on the Board of Directors for many years and was past Chair for Kinecta Federal Credit Union (formerly Hughes-Raytheon). He would be a lead advocate on the Hill in Washington, DC twice a year and has been known to don a Santa suit for bicycle and backpack giveaways during the holidays. In addition, Darryl served on the Board for Tricom Management for The Good Life Timeshare in San Diego Country Estates where he established many friendships. Darryl loved all things UCLA, the LA Lakers (34-year season ticket holder), Christmas, a great meal and a good challenge. He had a keen thought process and was quiet while absorbing all the information and then could summarize the content and present it back with various options. He was also a wonderful leader - unafraid to address difficult issues, take the reins and make good things happen. Darryl is mourned by his long-time partner, Judith Wong and her children, Anthony and Michaela, his Aunt Judy Kirkwood and Uncle Johnny Faniel. He will be deeply missed by the UCLA Community, Kinecta Federal Credit Union and many others whose lives he enhanced with his acts of kindness, inclusion, story-telling skills, thoughtfulness and generosity. Services will be at Holy Cross Mortuary, 5835 W. Slauson Ave., Culver City, CA 90230. Thursday, March 15. Visitation and Rosary 9:30 to 10:30am; Funeral Mass 11am, Interment and Reception following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to The Darryl Johnson Memorial UCLA Library Fund. For assistance, Laura Danielson at UCLA Library Development may be reached at (310) 206-8526. Donations may be made payable to The UCLA Foundation and sent to Laura at 11334 Charles E. Young Research Library, Box 951575, Los Angeles, California (90095-1575).