Bruce Kirk Johnson

Bruce Kirk Johnson, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and lifelong character, passed peacefully after a valiant fight of battling stage 4 prostate cancer while on hospice, surrounded exactly how he wanted to be, by family, laughter, love, and the people who mattered most.

Bruce was born on December 21, 1938, and lived a life defined by grit, loyalty, and an unmistakable sense of humor that was often sarcastic, sometimes inappropriate, and always unforgettable. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Marna Olsen-Johnson, whose absence he felt deeply and whose memory he carried with him every day. Their love story was the foundation of a family that continues to grow far beyond what either of them could have imagined.

Together, Bruce and Marna raised five children: Steven Johnson (Tamie), Martin Johnson (Terri), David Johnson (Mardi), Todd Johnson (Jen), and Audra Johnson.

Bruce’s greatest joy in life was his family. He lived for gatherings when everyone was together, the louder the better. He loved his children fiercely, but there was something uniquely special about the way he loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with patience, pride, humor, and a softness reserved only for a grandpa.

Bruce proudly served in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic, a chapter of his life he spoke of often and with great pride. A hard worker to his core, Bruce never really learned how to slow down. Even when he should have been resting, he was still moving, fixing, driving, or doing something useful. He spent many years as a truck driver and had the vocabulary to prove it. If you knew him, you heard it. If you loved him, you laughed and probably rolled your eyes and knew his infamous words "on there".

He loved racing, loved donating to the slot machines, and had a deep passion for hunting, fishing, and trap shooting. Any time he could get the family together his heart was filled with enormous joy. He was a proud member of The Eagles FOE 67. A longtime resident of the Chesterfield community, Bruce left his mark through his work ethic, his presence, and his willingness to show up when someone needed help.

Bruce leaves behind a large and loving family. His grandchildren: Amber, Matthew (Brandon), Ashley, Marcus (Sidnie), Cameron (Shayla), Chandler (Chet), Austin (Rosy), Chelsie (Caden), Justin, Aleasha, Alexa, and Ady.

And his great-grandchildren: Breilea, Devan, Keaton, Skylar, Ashtyn, Huxon, Harlie, Cashton, Halen, Parker, and Ariah.

Bruce was a man of many words, many stories, and was filled with many people who loved him deeply. From his wild antics to his unwavering love, he will be missed in every way possible. In his final moments, he was surrounded by siblings, family, nieces, nephews, and friends who adored him, exactly how he would have wanted it.

Bruce was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marna Olsen-Johnson; Kenneth Johnson; Lyla Johnson; and his sisters, Edna Johnson and Vivian Harvey.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Austin, Rosy, and the kids for the incredible care, love, and devotion they gave Bruce, ensuring his final chapter was filled with dignity and comfort. A sincere thank you is also extended to the compassionate doctors and nurses at the VA Hospital, as well as the caregivers at Monument Health Millcreek, for their kindness and support.

Bruce’s legacy does not end here. It lives on in every story told, every laugh shared, every gathering where his absence is felt, and his presence remembered.

A legacy ended but is never forgotten.

In his last words, “The semi is here, it’s time for me to go.”

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Redwood Mortuary, located at 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m., during which time friends and family are invited to visit with the family. Interment will follow the services at the same location.