Ronald J Johnson

Ronald John Johnson was born in Fountain Green, Utah on March 2nd, 1932 to Cora Mills Johnson and James Livingston Johnson. He was raised in Fairview, Utah and graduated from North Sanpete High School. Ron married the love of his life, LaVon Chambers, in 1956. They resided in Holladay, Utah. He passed away and reunited with his wife on July 1st, 2024.

Ron was unusually strong and hardworking. He started out working on his father’s farm as a child and continued on to fulfill 35 years at Kennecott Utah Copper when he retired in 1985. He also was a partner in a small business, The Horse House, which provided tack for horses.

He served his country during the Korean War aboard the USS Apache, and the USS Grapple. He was stationed out of Pearl Harbor and traveled throughout the Pacific Ocean. He was a metalsmith whose primary job was damage control. Part of his duties were to work on Operation Castle where he witnessed H Bomb testing and tested buoys to catch the fallout from testing atomic bombs and the H bomb.

He was an active member of the United Steelworkers of America local 4347 and served as President where he spent several summers negotiating contracts. In addition he served on the board of directors for Garfield Credit Union.

Ron always thought out of the box to please his wife and five children. For example, Ron surprised the kids with a Shetland pony. He had to be creative, so he transported the pony by taking out the car seat of his 4-door Chevy. He loved his family more than anything and was proud of all their accomplishments. He supported each of his child’s individual interests ranging from educational interests (chemistry sets) to sports interests (baseball, wrestling) to working on cars and more. He had many hobbies throughout his 92 years of life such as pinochle, leather working, working on cars, skiing, bowling, playing horseshoes at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, dabbling in the stock market, and frequently taking his wife dancing. He enjoyed traveling with his friends and wife of 65 years.

Ron was a social man and people gravitated towards him. He couldn't go anywhere without running into someone he knew from some aspect in his life. He enjoyed hosting parties and was willing to share anything he owned.  His greatest attribute–lending a helping hand–influenced his kids and grandkids. There wasn’t a tree stump or flat tire he wasn’t willing to remove or fix. He enjoyed family outings. Some of his family’s fondest memories were boating trips, snowmobiling, ATV’s, and holiday outings to the Fairview home. Ron lived an active and fulfilling life.

Ronald is survived by his children: Gary Johnson, Sherrie Jackman (Ken), Jimmie Scott Johnson (Janet), Brent Johnson (Cynthia), Jolene Brown (Michael), 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild; siblings: Arthur Johnson, Perry Johnson and Betty Jean Mikkelsen. He is preceded in death by his wife LaVon Johnson, and siblings: Jay Johnson, Reece Johnson, Eddie Johnson and Ruth Brammall.

The family wants to thank the fabulous staff at Cedarwood at Sandy and Canyon Hospice for their support and care of Ron.  `

In lieu of flowers donate to a charity of choice or Lazy B Equine Rescue and Sanctuary of Utah.

Graveside services are on Friday, July 12, 2024 at 11:30 am at Salt Lake City Cemetery (200 “N” St. East,  S.L.C.), followed by a celebration of life at the Ronald and LaVon Johnson residence.  Friends may visit on Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 6 pm - 8 pm and Friday, July 12,   from 10:00 am - 11:00 am at Holbrook Mortuary (3251 S. 2300 E., Millcreek UT).