Richard Herbert Johnson
December 22, 1966 - April 7, 2024
Obituary
Rich was born on December 22, 1966 in Myrtle Point, Oregon to Richard Johnson and Barbara Hurt Johnson. He passed away on April 7, 2024 at UW Medical Center in Seattle, Washington with his wife by his side.
Rich grew up in Oregon and Missouri spending time in Alaska and Wyoming as well. He graduated from Montgomery County High School in Montgomery City, Missouri.
In 1995 Rich started his career in construction as an industrial electrician. His job took him all over the United States.
Rich was a mountain of a man with beautiful blue eyes and a smile that could light up any room. His 6’5″ frame and calm demeanor commanded respect and his generous, selfless heart earned him the love of all that really knew him.
In 2001 his son Mathew (his pride and joy) was born. Rich loved being a dad.
Even though he didn’t take the time to do enough of it, Rich loved to hunt and fish.
In October of 2019, Rich followed his heart to Talkeetna, Alaska and his lifelong friend and soulmate Shasta where he became the stepdad to Branden, Ethan, and Emmalee. Rich went to work for D&S Road Services plowing snow in the winter and working with the crack sealing crew in the summer. Rich had incredible work ethic and was looked up to and respected by his crew and peers.
On July 13, 2021 on the banks of Willow Creek, Hatcher Pass, Alaska, Rich and Shasta were married with their family by their side. Their honeymoon took them on a family halibut fishing trip with Bottom Line Charters in Ninilchik, Alaska.
Rich and Shasta found more love and happiness together than either one of them had ever known. They were completely devoted to each other. He will forever be Shasta’s Superman and she has no doubt that he was the one that wired all the stars.
Rich is survived by his wife Shasta Johnson
son Mathew Johnson, stepson Branden (Cypriana) Bettes, stepdaughter and favorite movie watching buddy Emmalee Bettes,
his dad Richard Johnson, mother Barbara Hurt Johnson
Siblings: Diane (Jeff) Shamp, Linda (Cory) Bainbridge, Andrea Hurt, James (Laura) Hurt, Tammy Lansche, Bobbie Hurt, Paul Johnson. Todd (Cathy) Johnson, Mark Johnson
and many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and his work family that loved him.
Rich was proceeded in death by his stepson Ethan Bettes, mom Susan Johnson, in laws Bill and Linda Burns, John Morrison, his brother Eric Johnson and his longtime friend and mentor Ronnie Bierman
As per Rich’s wishes there will be no memorial service. If you would like to honor Rich go fishing, or share a meal with a friend.
Shasta would like to thank the nurses and doctors at UW floor 7SA for the care they took of us while we were there.
Rich you where a good man and you will be missed
Rich always looked after his crew for instance always having a cooler for me, his treasured yeti – a pleasure working for that man
We had a base camp @ Menard skating rink , anyways place gets broken into truck stolen other odds & ends – Rich knowing how much the crew
enjoyed listening to music went to a box store on his own account & bought a De Walt boom box etching forever a spot in my heart
My lord, so many stories in the short time that I knew Rich. Most of all he led by example, I had no idea of his illness because the man kicked butt… 10 hour days laying tar. RIP Rich, your suffering is over. A little story my buddy Matt (crack sealing) told me often … he knew we kicked butt…. how? Why? Because out of nowhere, that big man would give Matt (who ran tar gun) a swat on the back, he was a big man and a good man, we need more as such.
I miss you Baby💔😢
Big Rich was a gentle giant and very intelligent. He will definitely be missed by many, he never met a stranger. His homemade deer jerkey was excellent and his homemade cheese he use to bring to work he use to bring back from his vacations of going to visit I’m assuming family or friends. Met him on my first construction job in Texas with Fagen Inc.
What a sweet remembrance. ❤️
Lisa HYs