John Johnson

I first met Johnny in 1968 when we both were first year seasonal rangers in Denali. I really enjoyed his sense of humor and not taking being a ranger over seriously. I know he was inspired to do photography because of Charlie Ott and Bill Ruth whom we both looked up to and admired their work. He visited me a few times in Yosemite during his travels and did devote his life to helping people understand the value of Alaska, its wildness, wildlife, parks, and its people through his images.
I also remember his stories of what it took to work on the Alaska pipeline during the winter months to earn enough money so he could do photography in the summer. He was most proud of climbing Denali, which occurred over his birthday. After he finished the climb, he told me he ate a huge meal which included eating an entire birthday cake which caused him to use the expedition´s medical kit which was not needed on the expedition. He was a physically tough guy as well and recounted knocking out a future NPS ranger who was acting out while they were students at A&M. Johnny was someone who view life realistically with a great sense of humor. He did lead a life of high

We send our condolences to the Johnson family. I got to know him during our time at Denali in the 80´s. Two of his photos have graced our home ever since.

My condolences to the family. I am very sorry for your loss. May you receive strength and peace from God. Romans 15:13

I had the pleasure of taking Johnny, Peggy and a friend photograph, out in Prince William Sound for a week in 1996 on a photo safari photographing Sea Otters in the Ice Flows near the many Glaciers we visited. It was so long ago they were using Roll film
Johnny was a true professional and gave me the picture of this Sea Otter, personally autographed by him, as an additional thank you for showing him parts of PWS he´d never seen and where he was able to capture some beautiful Sea Otter shots for his portfolio that were published in his 1997 yearly calendar. R.I.P. old friend