Kenneth W. Johnson
Feb. 16, 1935-Dec. 27, 2014
Resident Of San Jose
Ken passed away at home at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with cancer. He will always be remembered for his gentle spirit and positive outlook which touched many lives.
Ken was born in Omaha, Neb. and grew up in Edmonds, WA. His athletic career began at Edmonds H.S. and continued at Whitman College where he earned a B.A. degree in 1957 followed by a M.S. at the Univ. of Oregon.
His teaching and coaching career began in Walla Walla, followed by Orestimba HS in Newman, CA. and finally Willow Glen HS from 1963 until he retired in 1994.
His love of sports included coaching football, basketball, and track while also serving as Athletic Director and Commissioner of Athletics at Willow Glen and the Blossom Valley Athletic League. He was the Site Director for the Central Coast Section Championships in football, basketball, and baseball many times. After retiring, he enjoyed working for several years at Stanford as a "Red Coat". He loved to travel and play golf with his buddies.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Dorothy, son Jeff (Norina), daughter Kendra (Bill) and grandchildren Alicia (Joe), Kenneth, Jacob and Amanda.
Per his request no services will be held. A family celebration will be held later in January.
Contributions in his memory can be made to the San Jose Auxiliary for Children, 1362 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA 95125.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Jan. 2, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Johnson

Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.

26 Entries

Del Ira

January 18, 2015

I've been reflecting on how much Coach Johnson influenced me at WGHS as my track & football coach. He gracefully put-up with my shenanigans. He laughed with me alot and I knew he liked me--we truly had a great relationship. I was fortunate enough to meet up with him again a few yrs ago when I joined Monterey Bay Seniors Golf, and we had a few opportunitites to reminisce. He will be missed.

Christa McLoy

January 5, 2015

I worked with Ken at Stanford football games for many years. I always looked forward to seeing him at Stanford Stadium year after year as he greeted and directed guests in the skybox. He will certainly be missed by me and my colleagues!

Dan Fowler

January 3, 2015

Funny how you remember men who had impact on your life.
Coach Johnson was just such a man. I could hear some of the things he taught me as I coached my own teams or stood in front of my class.
He was an inspiration to many young people.
WGHS Class of 1970

Art Collins

January 3, 2015

A Truly great teacher, coach and mentor to thousands of us who shared time with him at WGHS. His legacy will live on through each and every life that he has touched. - Art Collins, WGHS Class of 1970

January 3, 2015

It was a very sad day when I heard of the passing of Ken. I was very fortunate to have had the pleasure of working with him at Stanford University. I was amazed at his knowledge of track when we worked the many tack events together at Stanford. He was a quiet man with a wonderful sense of humor. I will always have fond memories of Ken, My condolences to the Johnson family during this difficult time.

January 3, 2015

Our prayers are for Coach Johnson and his lovely family; our neighbors in 1970. May the Lord be with you at this difficult time. The Huston's

Mark Carbonaro

January 3, 2015

Very sorry to hear of Coach Johnson's passing. He was a good man and I have fond memories of him while I was at Willow Glen (75-78)

January 3, 2015

Ken was President of Monterey Bay Seniors Golf Association for three years. He was a joy to be around and was liked by all. MBSGA golfers will miss his humor and wit and thank him for his efforts on behalf of MBSGA. Condolences to his family.

Chuck Frank

Ed Martinez

January 2, 2015

Thank you Coach Johnson for the chance too be a part of Willow Glen Football RIP.

January 2, 2015

Coach Johnson was my football coach at WG in 77-78, really was a great coach and I will always remember him. My condolences to the family.

Dave McCroskey

Laurie Vogel

January 2, 2015

What a guy! He will be missed. One of the few educators that left a lasting impression on me from WG. God Speed Coach

Stacey Mantoan-Foster

January 2, 2015

He was a great man for many reasons. May he rest in peace.

John Lopez

January 2, 2015

Jeff our condolences to you and your family. Coach Johnson was tough and yet funny. We saw him again 30 years after graduation at your BBQ at your winery. I remember him saying to me "you want me to talk to your wife for you John!!" and I said "NO! That's alright!" lol! Peace be with your family Jeff

anthony alaimo

January 2, 2015

Rip great teacher and human being. Class of 1968!

Sue Owens

January 2, 2015

My condolences to your family. He didn't give up on me when I wanted to. Now make a living with what he taught.

Victor Riolo

January 2, 2015

Coach, thank you for all you taught me growing up, first to be a dedicated and loving father, then coaching and being the best mentor I could be and lastly a great friend to all that passed by you! You will truly be missed by this man with all respect you were a great influence on me!

One of the really great teachers, coaches & mentors that a HS kid could ever have. His legacy will live on through many of us who called him Coach.

Art Collins

January 2, 2015

Darlene (Langone) Winfrey

January 2, 2015

RIP Mr. Johnson

January 2, 2015

Mr. Johnson left a great legacy. He touched and affected thousands of lives. Thanks to his family for sharing him. The rest of us benefitted greatly from knowing and learning from him. May he have eternal joy and peace.

Kim (Wilmot) Sarao

January 2, 2015

RIP Coach Johnson. Fond memories from my days at Willow Glen HS.

Gerald Palla

January 2, 2015

Coach Johnson walked the halls of WG with presence & dignity. Soft spoken with a glare of leader He alway reminded me of Bill Parcels. Hard guy to forget.RIP Coach!!

Carmen Rivera (class of 76)

January 2, 2015

You will be missed by so many of us. God give strength to your love ones, RIP, Mr. Johnson.

William Harang

January 2, 2015

I'm sorry to hear that Mr. Ken Johnson has recently passed away. I had him as a PE Teacher at Willow Glen High School in the the 1970's decade. I later saw him at a High School Reunion Picnic in 1979. Then I saw him again in 2007 when I started working at Stanford. I enjoyed working with him for approximately 7 1/2 years. He was a fine and helpful person. I send my condolences to his family and the rest of his friends.

Tom Hamilton

January 2, 2015

Rest in peace coach, you touched many lives!!

Melinda Gedryn (Fletcher)

January 2, 2015

I'm so sorry for your loss Kendra, Mrs. Johnson and Jeff. I'm sorry to hear there won't be services, so many people have so many memories to share. Hopefully, you are seeing the posts on Facebook. I'll always remember him, too many basketball stories to tell here. But he also looked out for us in life off the court, I appreciated him giving me advice in the halls at WG. He was also a great driving instructor. I passed his tips along to my kids! Over the years it was great to run into him at various games and catch up with him. He was always so kind and had a great laugh. I'll miss him.

Darling Fischer Memorial Chapel

January 1, 2015

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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