Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1946
DIED
2017
Steven Johnson Obituary
After graduating high school he hitchhiked around North America settling in New York where he married Linda MacGowan of Flushing, New York, and they had their daughter Amy. The family moved to Massachusetts and Steve built a house in Shutesbury, with only books to guide him and he was a selectman, farmed livestock and became a licensed plumber.
He returned to California and was a Ranch Manager in Muir Beach, Callifornia. In 2007 he married his childhood friend Karen Cook in Big Sur. Steve enjoyed life as a househusband but early onset Alzheimer's cruelly began to take away his freedoms and abilities. In 2016 he moved to Brookdale memory care facility in Salinas, California, where staff appreciated his trademark funny voices. He passed away peacefully under the kind care of staff and VNA Hospice with Karen by his side.
Steve was known for his outgoing personality, sense of humor and perfect Donald Duck impression. He made thousands of tacos in his lifetime for eager friends and loved treats. He was a self-proclaimed jack-of-all-trades, master of none, a published poet and passionate writer of letters to editors on local and national issues.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Johnson of Watsonville, California; his daughter Amy Johnson of Greenfield; his bonus daughter Rachel Blitzblau of Durham, North Carolina; his sister Deborah Mooney (Jim) of Roscoe, Illinois, and many beloved friends from all walks of his life.
Donations in Steve's honor can be made to his daughter's Walk to End Alzheimer's in Holyoke, MA on September 17th: http://act.alz.org/goto/amyhjohnson.
Friends are welcome to join a celebration of Steve at 3 p.m. on Sept. 16, at Mt. Toby Meetinghouse in Leverett.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to legacy.com/obituaries/gazettenet.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Johnson
6 Entries
Carolyn Boardman
January 5, 2018
I am so lucky to have known Steve(Stiv) and to have welcomed Steve and Karen into our home in northern Vermont one time. Farewell, smiling one.....
Carolyn Boardman
January 5, 2018
I am so lucky to have known Steve(Stiv) and to have welcomed Steve and Karen into our home in northern Vermont one time. Farewell, smiling one.....
Deb Mooney
September 9, 2017
Safe travels on your final journey big brother. May the wind be always at your back and may you always keep my heart in your pocket. Until we meet again, may you rest in peace.
I'll love you forever...... ❤
peace and love to you always ~
Diana & Dean Dannenberg
September 7, 2017
Me heart goes out to Jim's family and friends. I've never had the pleasure of meeting him personally, but from the stories I've heard it seems he was a special person. Happy trails, Jim. Fly high.
Johanna Antar
September 7, 2017
My sister and I were talking the other night about something Steve said, and we're laughing so hard our eyes were tearing. That's Steve's legacy. He was the funniest man on the planet. And we were blessed to know him. And to eat his food. And to hear his stories. We'll miss you every day Haystacks Calhoun.
Rachel Blitzblau
September 7, 2017
I feel very fortunate to have known Steve and to have had him as my bonus father. I have so many fond and fun memories and will miss him greatly. Lots of love, Rachel
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Steven Johnson's name
Memorial Events
for Steven Johnson
How to support Steven's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Steven Johnson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
