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Erik Johnson Obituary
Erik Dorr Johnson, 48, died on October 6, 2011 in Tallahassee, Florida.
A memorial service will be held at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Tallahassee, Florida on October 13, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. The internment will be at Christ Episcopal Church in Valdosta, Georgia on October 14, 2011, at 1 p.m.
Erik was born on March 2, 1963 in Opelika, Alabama, the fifth son of Lewis Warren Johnson and the late Marilyn Christensen Johnson. Erik attended Auburn High School graduating in 1982. Erik went on to receive a Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, in 1986. Erik completed his Master's degree in Agronomy from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, in 1989.
Erik's professional life was dedicated to the conservation of Florida's ecosystems, where he passionately pursued interests in old-growth protection, restoration of southern pine forests, conservation of native plants, and prescribed fire management. While in the Tallahassee area, Erik held positions with the Florida Wildlife Federation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and most recently with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Forests in Florida where he was the Forest Ecologist.
Erik is survived by his wife, Amy Louttit Johnson and two children, Maren Augusta Louttit Johnson and Jonas Asahel Louttit Johnson. He is also survived by his father Lewis Warren Johnson (Auburn, Alabama); his brothers Timothy Whipple Johnson (Auburn, Alabama), Andrew Allen Johnson (Auburn, Alabama), Chris Nielsen Johnson and wife Pam (Olympia, Washington), Matthew Gray Johnson (Ogden, Utah); and his sister Jennifer Marie Shumack and Marcus (Montgomery, Alabama). Erik has twelve nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family requests charitable donations to one of the following organizations, all of which are integral to Erik's life's work: Florida Natural Areas Inventory (fnai.org) or the Atlanta Botanical Gardens carnivorous plant restoration efforts (www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org/get-involved/give), which benefit Florida State Parks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Erik Johnson
Eve Shackleton
October 17, 2011
I only saw Erik a few times, at training, or when he would come down to the Ocala NF. I always enjoyed his great sense of humor and the sincere interest he showed in everything- including who he was talking to. He was such a very enjoyable and pleasant guy.
Cindy Thompson
October 14, 2011
Erik was so dedicated to his work and to the environment. He never hesitated to jump in and help whenever his expertise was needed, even when it meant adding more duties to his already chock-full work schedule. He treated everybody with respect, had a great sense of humor, and an unwavering sense of integrity. His life was too short, but for me, and I imagine for many others, he left us with a wonderful example of how to live. I will certainly miss working with him. To Maren and Jonas - I know how hard it is to lose your Dad; mine passed when I was fourteen. But you can be really proud of your Dad - he was a great person. My prayers are with you all.
Judy Buchanan Holmes
October 13, 2011
Amy, Maren & Jonas,
I went to Auburn High with Erik and he was a funny, smart and fun guy. I will always remember his ever-present big smile and even bigger heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
October 13, 2011
Dear Amy, Maren and Jonas,
I am praying and will keep praying for your family as you go through this hard time in life. May the peace of the Lord be with you always, Chrisy Scarlett
Clay Coleman
October 13, 2011
I only knew Erik for a very short time. During that time I found him to be a consummate professional and a genuinely nice person. During my interaction with him he was always positive, witty and smiling! I also know how much he valued colleagues, demonstrated by his actions of recommending all of the team we were working on, for an annual award. My sincerest condolences go out to his wife Amy and the entire family. RIP Erik.
Denise Rains
October 13, 2011
Amy, Maren and Jonas - I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Erik was such a kind, gentle person and he leaves us way too soon. I hope you will find comfort in the good memories. We at the Forest Service will remember his great sense of humor and his dedication to his work conserving Florida's natural areas. His legacy certainly will live on in all the great work he did toward that end. I am sad to lose one of our Forest Service family and will always remember him with fondness and a smile.
Beth NeIkirk
October 13, 2011
Beth and Jim Neikirk send heart felt regrets and pray God's Peace on your family and loved ones.
Lea Fitzsimons
October 13, 2011
Dear Amy,
Andy's and my thoughts and prayers are with Maren, Jonas, and you. We were saddened to hear about Erik's passing. You and your sisters have always held a special place in our hearts.
Leigh Brooks
October 12, 2011
I am so saddened to hear of the loss. Erik was one of our great voices for science-based conservation, leading by example, learning and sharing with others to advance the cause. It was always a pleasure when our paths crossed. One less bright angel.
Barbara Wilson
October 12, 2011
To Amy, Maren and Jonas -- We are saddened by Erik's death but trust in God that he is well. It is we who remain who must honor and remember Erik as the man to whom God's creation was beautiful, and wonderful, and deserving of our best stewardship and care. Peace be to you and your family members from Meade and me.
Carolyn Kindell
October 12, 2011
Words cannot express my deep sorrow. My heart goes out to Erik’s family. I knew Erik through work in Florida over many years, and I am heartbroken he is gone. He was a friend and colleague, so generous with information, so insightful, and he was a natural leader. He was funny, kindhearted, professional, and passionate about improving natural landscapes. He left way too soon. May it be some small consolation that a part of his spirit lives in the better health of natural spaces in Florida – not only those where he worked, but in the many places Erik exported ideas to others. Much of Erik’s thinking about our natural world lives in my work, and I’m sure this is true for many people. I am so grateful to have known him. I am so sorry for this loss to the Johnson family.
Evelyn Libby
October 12, 2011
Amy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Maren and Jonas. May your memories bring you comfort.
Linda Slaughter
October 11, 2011
I graduated with Erik from Auburn High School. My heart and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. May the Lord grant you peace and comfort during this time.
Adrienne Funderburke
October 11, 2011
My dear, sweet Amy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids. Clayton was recalling with me today a wonderful nature walk that we all took on one of our church camping trips.
He kept his prized "beaver stick" that Erik found for him for many years.Erik will be missed by many in oh so many ways. Much love, In His name, Adrienne
Greg Simpson
October 11, 2011
Amy, Maren and Jonas: just a note to let you know how shocked and saddened I was to hear this news. Please know that as this was God's will, he needed Erik with him and Erik has now found peace beyond human understanding. Know also that he will always be with you in the Holy Spirit through God's grace of his gift of Jesus Christ to all of us. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you all during this difficult time. God's peace.
Scott Sweeney
October 11, 2011
I think all any of us can ask is that we leave this place better than we found it. I believe Erik accomplished that everywhere he went. I always enjoyed his enthusiasm for life. I met Maren & Jonas when Erik was working on re-introducing some rare plants back to there natural habitat at a panhandle state park. He was proud of his kids. It's a sad day and he will be missed.
October 11, 2011
Hi Amy, You know that I have never been at a lost for words, but learning of the death of your husband (and kids' father) - Erik, has really shaken me and literally taken my breath away. I am so deeply and sincerely sorry. The days ahead are going to be tough. But Amy, you're stonger than even you know. Draw on that strength and ask for God's grace. You and the kids can weather this. You guys have so many great memories to hold on to. Hold on to them and to each other. We're all praying for you. Love, Betty B. Frederick (St. Augustine)
Roger Jennings
October 11, 2011
Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never ever the same. This is the impression from meeting Maren that her father left on her.
Jessica Shiver
October 11, 2011
My sincere condolences to Amy, Maren, Jonas and all of their family. You are all in my thoughts.
Ronnie Hudson
October 11, 2011
It has been a true pleasure to know and work with Erik. His passion for his family and the environment was evident in every conversation that we ever had. He will be missed greatly!
Cynthia Chapman
October 11, 2011
Amy - No words seem adequate. Know that you and your family are in my prayers. BLD is there to support you in whatever way we can. God bless you.
Betsy Kellenberger
October 10, 2011
Amy and Children...My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. After working with you for several years I know that you have wonderful friends and colleagues who will support you now and in the future. You are ever in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Brown
October 10, 2011
Dear Amy,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. With sincere sympathy,
Bruce McGehee
October 10, 2011
I was the Tuba section leader in the Auburn High School band when Erik was a senior. He and I were fellow tuba players for the entire time we attended AHS together, and we also ran Track and Cross-Country together the whole time. I always looked up to him as the leader he unquestionably was -- self-sacrificing, charismatic, intelligent, innovative, intrepid, confident, and inspirational. I will always remember the fun and exciting times he and I shared, and the way he always managed to raise the bar of expectations for everyone around him. I will also always remember what the heels of his running shoes looked like, because I never could manage to catch him on a running course! I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to the many people who I know held him dear in their hearts.
Mary Littleton
October 10, 2011
I grew up with Erik in Auburn at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. I am his sister's (Jenny) age. I am deeply saddened to hear of his loss and send much love and strength to his family as they navigate these difficult days.
Lisa, Don, Brenden, Joshua and Jeremy Monda
October 10, 2011
We offer our sincere condolences and prayers of comfort at this time to Amy and the chidren. May the peace of our Lord be with each of you now and forevermore.
Mary Ellen, John, Emily and Katie Kennedy
October 9, 2011
We have so many wonderful memories of Erik and our days at Holy Comforter School. You didn't have to spend more than a few minutes with Erik to see his love for his family, passion for the outdoors and enthusiasm for life. He will remain in our hearts.
Jay French
October 8, 2011
My sincere condolences and prayers to Erik's family at this time. Erik was a great friend of mine at Auburn High in Auburn, AL. He was a leader of our graduating class, the band, and of our cross country team. I don't know anyone that did not like Erik. I started running cross country our junior year because of Erik's encouragement. I thought about Erik numerous times this year, because my son started running cross country this year, also his junior year in high school. Erik's legacy will live on.
Susie Walker Chambley
October 8, 2011
I attended Auburn High with Erik and graduated with him in 1982. He was always a wonderful friend and greatly contributed to our high school experience. I will be lifting his family up with many prayers during this difficult time. May God grant you comfort, strength, and that special peace that passes all understanding.
Mohsen, Ann, John and Sarah Shahawy
October 8, 2011
May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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