Aaron Michael Johnson

Aaron Michael Johnson of Fayetteville, Arkansas passed from his life unexpectedly at age 41 on April 24, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington. Aaron was born on September 23, 1983, in Fayetteville. He graduated from Fayetteville High School and thereafter embarked on his life adventure which took him on travels throughout the United States. Always the one to be sensitive to the needs of others, Aaron developed lasting and deep friendships with fellow travelers and like-minded people. Many of his friends have remarked on how deeply he touched their lives. Music was one of his passions and he became accomplished playing the electric bass. He also had recently resumed a long-standing interest in photography. More than anything else though, Aaron took pride in his service to and leadership of harm reduction organizations such as People’s Harm Reduction Alliance (PHRA) in Seattle, Washington and the Portland People’s Outreach Project (PPOP) which he founded in Portland, Oregon. These organizations provide services for addicts, the homeless and others and have been responsible for preventing innumerable deaths. Aaron returned to Fayetteville in December 2023 and worked in construction. It was the lure of the northwest and friends that drew him back to Tacoma three weeks before his death. Aaron is survived by his mother Vardelle Johnson of Lenexa, Kansas; his father and bonus mom Steve and Kandy Johnson, his sister Jessica Johnson (Nick Holbus), nephew Lyle Holbus, bonus brothers Ky Edmonson (Kori), and Ryan Edmonson (Heather) and bonus nephew Easton Edmonson, all of Fayetteville. Aaron was a good man and will be sorely missed. More than many he understood the difference between right and wrong and made it his goal to do the right thing and make the world a better place. Aaron and his family would be pleased if contributions are made in his memory to PPOP. Via Venmo: @ppop_rock or via email at: contact@portlandpeoplesoutreach.org