Photo courtesy of Pleasant Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary - Sebastopol
Sebastopol, California
Sep 19, 1947 – Jun 21, 2021 (Age 73)
Russell Johnson was born in the old Vallejo General Hospital in 1947. The family moved from Vallejo to Napa when he was three years old. He was brought up in Napa and went to school there. The Boy Scouts and St. Mary's Episcopal church were a big part of his upbringing.
In the Boy Scouts, he achieved the ran of Life. The merit badges he earned include Morse code, civic duty, and gardening. Gardening would be a hobby that he enjoyed throughout his life. In 9th grade, he was on the track team. Around that time, he was also a member of the St Mary's Episcopal church teen group. He was an avid reader.
He graduated from Napa High School in 1966. He graduated from Napa College in 1968. He graduated from Sacramento State College in 1970.
He served in the United States Army from 1970 to 1972. He attained the rank of Technical Sergeant.
He returned back home to a tough economy. He got on as a helper at Mare Island and soon entered the apprenticeship program to become an Electrician. He completed his apprenticeship program in 4 years; and worked as an electrician thereafter.
Around 1996, Mare Island was in the process of closing. That was a tough time for him, not only the uncertainly for himself, but seeing the displacement, trauma, and hardship it brought to his friends and coworkers. He got on at another federal government job in Tracy, California, which allowed him to continue his service with the government. He spent about eight years there. He lived there but retained his home in Napa. He retired from the federal government around 2003. He returned to Napa for a short while.
It wasn't long until his parents required some help. He was the world's best caregiver to his parents; he spent a couple of years doing that, and he moved to Santa Rosa to help out in that effort. People liked him, and he will be missed. He was a member of Narfe, Napa Chapter.
He is the son of the late Leonard and Louisa Johnson. He is survived by his brother, Ken Johnson, in San Jose. He always felt that Napa was a good place to grow in and prepare for life.
Read MoreKen, So sorry that we have lost R.J. I sent a lengthy note a few days ago, but I'm not seeing that it was included here. I hope that the people who review these things will reconsider. R.J. was a great guy and a great friend -- none better.
Brian Hill
September 27, 2021 | Friend
Ken Johnson-- R.J. was a great friend -- my 1st when we moved to Salvador -- so many great memories. Great times playing ball -- R.J., Howie and I took turns managing the "Mets." Then one year you learned how to pitch and stuck us all out -- still wondering what went wrong . . . I think of R.J. often -- in fact mentioned him to my wife yesterday -- something about "Father Tom." J.R. was always talking about something goofy Father Tom was doing -- using Holy Water for unintended purposes,...
Brian Hill
September 18, 2021 | Friend
Dear Ken We were sorry to read of your brother Russell´s passing and wanted to send you our heartfelt Sympathy. We know you have many wonderful memories to help comfort you now and remain always in your heart. God´s blessings With Sympathy Jerry Peggy Larghi & Family
Jerry & Peggy (Moen) Larghi
September 17, 2021 | School
Ken. Sorry to here about Russell. Been out of touch for many years. Always remember the baseball games at Salvador school. R J was a very caring & thoughtful person. He will be missed.
Tom Howe
September 16, 2021 | Friend
Russ was a great man, Ken, sorry for your loss.
Tom Libby
September 16, 2021
Sorry for your lose, Ken. I ran into Russ right after returning from Vietnam and renewed some memories. Thoughts and prayers for you and family.
Tom Libby
September 16, 2021
