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BORN
1946
DIED
2017
Walter Johnson Obituary
Walter Craig Johnson, "Craig," passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2017, in Bountiful, Utah at the age of 71. He was born January 24, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Walter Claudell & Ruby Wall Johnson. He was the second born of eight children and the oldest son. Craig attended Salt Lake City schools until he and his family moved to Bountiful in 1961. He attended Bountiful High School where he met Alice Stahle. They married and settled in Bountiful, started a family and have lived there ever since. In 2013, Craig and Alice celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Craig began working for the Davis County School District at the age of 18. He started out as a custodian and quickly became head custodian for the new Meadowbrook Elementary School that opened in Bountiful in 1966. In 1975, Craig and Alice went back to school and attended Weber State College (now University) in Ogden. Soon they received their degrees in Elementary Education and began to teach. Craig transitioned from custodian to 5th grade teacher and remained at Meadowbrook until his retirement in 1999.
Craig enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and having friends and family visit the family's cabin in Wyoming. Back in the day he played softball for local amateur leagues. When he stepped up to the plate, the opposing teams's outfielders backed up to the fence because of his reputation as a big home run hitter.
Craig is survived by his wife of 54 years, Alice Stahle Johnson; four children, Walter Craig "Walt" Jr., Wendy Lynn Horton, Tracy Michelle Willey (Todd), and Heidi Beth Coats (Ryan); nine grandchildren that he loved dearly, Thomas, Alexis, Kelsey, Connor, Mason, Jaxson, Cooper, Charlie and Max; Titus, his first great-grandchild was born this year; and siblings Claudia Burton, David, Mary Price, Ray, Linda Samuelson and Ronald. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Arvid Richard "Dick" Johnson, as well as his best friend Leonard Aoyagi. To honor Craig's wishes, there will be no formal funeral or memorial service. Friends and family have already begun to call and visit Alice, and she is grateful for the expressions of sympathy and love she continues to receive.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Johnson
Tyrone Hess
March 24, 2018
I like so many others Mr. J taught, were the benefactors of his loving, kind teaching method that went far beyond the curriculum. He taught me about life at a time when Elementary Education was dominated by female teachers. Public Schools can't have enough Craig Johnson's. No matter your beliefs, Craig Johnson has to be in the best place there is now. Thank you Alice & family for sharing him!
Melissa Reese
December 2, 2017
Im deeply saddened to hear of Craig's passing. He and I would chat when he would come to the salon once a week and i had the pleasure of getting to know him a bit. We would talk about his latest hunting trip or he would tell me some of the best jokes. My deepest sympathies to the family. He was a great man and he will be missed.
Linda (Aoyagi) Cooper
November 29, 2017
Alice and family: I wrote a condolence this mornjng but it is apparently in cyberspace. My deepest and heartfelt sympathy go out to you and your family. The Craig I knew was so thoughtful, compassionate and was one of the wittiest people I have ever known. He and Leonard often stopped here to eat after a fishing trip to eat. My mother, father and I couldn't wait for him to finish eating as we knew we were going to listen to his animated stories of various situations. His embellishments added to the stories. There were many so hilarious that almost made me wet my pants. He will be missed but please know that he will always be in many hearts and minds.
Jamie Parker Jacobson
November 28, 2017
I was a student at Meadowbrook from 1969/70 (my Kindergarten year) til I finished 6th grade. I have great memories of Mr. Craig. I remember when we'd take our class chalk board erasers down to be cleaned and how much fun he was. Such a nice guy! I am so sorry for your loss. Just wanted to share that little memory for me from so long ago. God bless the whole family.
November 28, 2017
We send our condolences to the Johnson family. May the concern and support from friends help you cope during this sad time (Proverbs 17:17).--ERJ
Lisa Macfarlane
November 27, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I have such wonderful memories of my time with Wendy and time spent at your home. You were always so welcoming and kind. God Bless. Lisa (Hall).
ROY and ANNE BRIT (DAHL) STEEN
November 27, 2017
ALICE, so sorry for your Family's loss. I don't know if you remember me. I grew up with CRAIG. We had a lot of fun to gether playing ball, sleep overs. CRAIG was a special person.
Tell his siblings and your family CONDOLANCES, FROM US. HE WILL BE MISSED.
Janet Lopez Turner
November 26, 2017
I moved to Utah from Wisconsin at the beginning of 5th grade and was placed in Mr J's class. It was a very hard and scary move for me and Mr J helped to make me feel at ease, make friends and helped to make me instantly feel part of the class. I have never forgotten that!! Not having a dad of my own at home I always looked up to him as a father figure. My life was definitely a better place because our paths crossed. Rest In Peace Mr J ❤❤
Emily Eckman Olaya
November 26, 2017
Mr. J was one of my favorite teachers! I was a quiet student who longed for the teacher's approval, and he always made me feel important. I loved his auctions and points because I always got so many!
It was in his class that I decided to become a teacher. I now teach 5th and 6th grades and often reflect on all the work my teachers did for me.
He will be missed!
November 26, 2017
November 26, 2017
November 26, 2017
Marlene St. Clair
November 26, 2017
I'm sending you "all" my love!
Craig will be missed so much!
His gentle heart ( he tried to hide )
His quick wit ( lightening speed )
His jokes ( some were a little offcolored )
His strength ( a Powerful Man )
His love (you could feel it when he let down those protective walls)
I Loved that he let me call him Walter
Alice,
Wendy , Tracey, Heide, Walt & all you wonderful Grandchildren and significant others I send you my condolences and Love!
He will be and is already missed!
Kerri Heaps-Johannsen
November 26, 2017
Such an Incredible Teacher, I had him when I was in 5th grade, a lot of great memories!
About 26 years since 5th grade
Keira Linck
November 26, 2017
My condolences go out to Mr.J's family. Mr.J was the most amazing teacher I have ever had. He gave me reason to focus and care about learning when I had lost all care and I would give up. Mr.J would never let me give up, he always pushed me and gave me hope and helped and wouldnt let me give up. He has always been my hero. I have told my kids so many stories of Mr. J. I loved our "pizza parties" if he could hit the softball from the back door of the school across the field into the creek we would have a pizza party. (We had alot of pizza parties) I played softball thought my childhood and on recess he would go out with me and help me with my batting or catching. This man holds a very very dear place in my heart. I love Mr.J. He is always and forever will be my idol and my hero! <3 <3
November 25, 2017
November 25, 2017
November 25, 2017
November 25, 2017
1987
November 25, 2017
November 25, 2017
Alice, sorry for your loss, we are thinking about you and remember the fun times we had when we were in school and also the time Craig and I worked for the state. Dick & Pam Ward
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