Richard Johnson

Johnson, Richard

SAN RAMON, Calif. - Richard Johnson, of San Ramon, Calif., passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. Richard valiantly battled prostate cancer for over 19 years, while continuing to maintain a near normal schedule.

Richard grew up in Beloit, Wis., during the 1960s and graduated from Beloit Catholic High School in 1968. Continuing education included a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1972 and a master's degree in accounting from the Ohio State University in 1973.

Richard's professional career began as an auditor in the Milwaukee office of Arthur Andersen & Co where he attained manager status. He also obtained his CPA license while at Arthur Andersen & Co. For the final 34 years of his professional career, Richard was the Chief Financial Officer at Barker Pacific Group, a commercial real estate development company based in California. His job description was "Making Deals and Solving Problems."

In 2020, Richard was named Outstanding Alumnus by the Department of Accounting and Information Systems, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Richard was known for his generosity, especially to his beloved University of Wisconsin. He established the Richard J. Johnson Chair in the Department of Accounting and Information Systems. He was also a main contributor, through the Athletic Department, to the renovations of the historic Field House at the University.

He was preceded in death by two wives, Pamela Johnson (1996) and Angela Gill Johnson (2014); and his parents, Elinor and Erwin Johnson.

Survivors include two sons, Justin Macklin (Lucia) of Twain Harte, Calif., and Troy Macklin of Oakland, Calif.; sister, Mary (James) Maginel of Cape Girardeau, Mo.; grandchildren, Madisyn, Ethan and Jagger Macklin; and great-grandson, Van.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at CRESS CENTER, 6021 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705. Entombment will follow at 11:30 a.m. at RESURRECTION CATHOLIC CEMETERY, 2705 Regent Street, in Madison, where he will be laid to rest next to Pamela and Angela.

Richard will be deeply missed by family, friends and colleagues.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or any organization assisting abused women.

Online condolences may be made at Legacy.com.