Monty C. Johnson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Monty Craig Johnson, who left us on the morning of June 27, 2025, at the age of 82. He enjoyed bike riding, scuba diving, traveling, reading (especially Lord of the Rings), adventures of all sorts, hand ball and racket sports. Monty’s sense of humor was legendary. He lived a rich, adventurous life, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Monty spent his childhood moving across the United States, as his father was a Marine. He spent his high school years in Long Beach, California, where he graduated from Millikan High School. Monty went on to pursue higher education, earning his undergraduate degree from UCLA before completing a PhD in microbiology at Southern Illinois University. It was while in high school that he met the love of his life, Vicky Swanson, with whom he shared many adventures over the years, including motorcycling through the scenic countryside of Southern Illinois.

Monty’s career as a researcher took him to the University of Wyoming in Laramie, where he and Vicky, along with their children Sabina and Joe, lived on a ranch with his mother Lois. Those years were filled with challenges—from battling the harsh Wyoming winters to long drives for work and basic necessities—but Monty faced it all with resilience, warmth, and a sense of humor. After Vicky’s untimely passing in 1991, Monty carried her memory with him until the end of his life.

In the years that followed, Monty’s journey led him to reconnect with Margaret Jakobson, and they were married in May 2004 in San Diego. Together, they moved to Sacramento, where Monty’s contributions to the community and the Unification movement became a cornerstone of his life. He was an active member of the Unification Church and worked with the Professors World Peace Academy, ICUS, and the United to Serve America campaign. He also represented the church on the Interfaith Council of Greater Sacramento for many years, where his wisdom and kindness were deeply valued.

Monty also embraced a second career at the Sacramento YMCA, where he became a beloved trainer. His passion for cars led him to volunteer as a docent at the California Automobile Museum, and his adventurous spirit found expression in bike riding and sport target practice. He was an avid traveler, with road trips throughout the United States and international journeys to destinations such as Baja California, Cozumel, Thailand, Scotland, Canada, the British Virgin Islands, and Alaska. One of his favorite places was the Moab, Utah area, with its breathtaking canyons, arches, off-road opportunities and mountain biking trails.

Monty’s family meant the world to him. He is survived by his daughters, Sabina Johnson Holesinger and Dor-Renée Jakobson, and son, Joseph Johnson; his sisters, Dennise Swanson of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Susan Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia; five granddaughters, four grandsons, one great-grandson and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Lois Herring and his father Mont Johnson.

Monty’s spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched, his dedication to family, his passion for exploration, and his unwavering faith. He will be sorely missed, but his memory will continue to inspire those who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held later in the year.