Ronald Leon Johnson

Our dear husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Ronald Leon Johnson, passed away on Wednesday, November 5th, following a stroke at the age of 91 years and almost 9 months.
Ron was born on February 9th, 1934, to Edwin Earl Johnson and Ruth Pauline Morris. He is the youngest of their four children, Marva, Morris and Jerry. He happily lived his entire life within a two-block radius in East Mill Creek, Utah. His mother passed away when he was only five. After Ruth passed away, Earl remarried Winifred Ensign, our Grandma Winnie.
Dad was a proud alumnus of Granite High School and sang the Song of the G with fond emotion. He served on their reunion committee many times. He attended the University of Utah, where he became an avid U of U sports fan.
He served in the United States Army from October 1954 to August 1956 during the latter part of the Korean War as a Company Clerk.
Following his service in the war, His sister Marva encouraged him to ask Doris Holladay on a date. They fell in love and were married on August 6th, 1957, in the Salt Lake Temple. Over the next decade, they joyfully welcomed four children into their family: Jeffrey, Julie, Christy and Eric.
Most of Ron's career was spent in data processing, computer programing and as a systems analyst. His career included a decade at Univac SLC. He retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield in August of 1996 after thirteen years as Senior Programmer analyst.
Ron had many opportunities to serve in his community. He actively participated in the East Mill Creek Lions Club, serving as club President and as Chairman of the local Fourth of July celebration three times. He was an officer of the Evergreen Swim and Tennis Club for seven years, serving one year as President. He was an officer of the "Save Mill Creek" Organization. He was a charter member of the East Mill Creek Community Council, serving as chairman for two years. He served on the Board of Directors of Utah Idaho Sugar Credit Union and was President when the Credit Union merged with LDS Credit Union.
Ron loved athletics and sports. He played table tennis, golf, basketball into his 70s, tennis into his 80s, and put on many miles riding his bike. He competed in the World Senior Games in tennis, earning a silver medal. He was committed to physical fitness. He was a devoted fan of The U of U, Olympus High School (His children's alma mater), and The Utah Jazz. He found much enjoyment watching sports on television.
He had a great love and appreciation for music. Some of his favorites were Johann Straus, Tchaikovsky, Sigmund Romberg, Irving Berlin and especially Nat King Cole.
His care and attention to his beautifully landscaped yard and garden were an important part of his life, earning him many beautification awards.
His grandchildren brought him much joy and he loved supporting them in their endeavors and activities.
Dad and Mom shared their love for the beautiful creations of God and instilled that love in their posterity. They enjoyed their road trips and spotting wildlife; a favorite was the High Uintas and Mirror Lake. They also delighted in the wildlife that frequented their own back yard.
Ron was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed his service in many callings including Stake Athletic Director, Finance Clerk, Young Men's President, Elder's Quorum President, Branch Presidency Counselor, and Service Missionary.
He was a very wise and meticulous money manager. He kept a daily diary his entire life.
He is preceded in death by all his siblings and their spouses, as well as his grandson Hagan. He is survived by his children Jeffrey (Martha) Johnson, Julie (Ron) Osborn, Christy (Mark) Martin, and Eric (Linzee) Johnson, sixteen grandchildren and spouses, nineteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
We will celebrate dad on Saturday, November 15th with a viewing from 10:00 am to 11:00 am followed by a funeral from 11:30 am to 12:30 am at their chapel located at 2125 Evergreen Avenue in East Mill Creek. Dad will be interred at Elysian Burial Gardens.