Richard “Rick” Johnson, made his transition in the early hours of July16, 2023, peacefully from the comfort of his home in Pagosa Springs, Colo. He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart Sharon Johnson.

Together during their 59 Years of marriage they raised two daughters; Cammie Buron and Robin Wolfe. Cammie and Robin blessed them with Son-in-laws and grandchildren including Cammie’s Husband Otto Buron and their Children Mason Buron and his Wife Cassidy Buron, Slater Buron and his fiancé Jade Montoya, and youngest son Ryker Buron. Robin’s Husband Scott Wolfe introduced his daughters Courtney Wolfe and Lindsay Wolfe into his family, and together Scott and Robin had their son Carson Wolfe, and youngest daughter Calianna Wolfe.

Rick would often tell his daughters how he thought he knew amazing love when he became a father but that it was “just a drop in the bucket” compared to the incredible amount of joy and fulfillment he received from being a grandfather. In return, Rick is loved, respected and adored by his grandchildren who often praise his humor, artistic talents, love of the outdoors and life in general.

Whether you knew Rick well or experienced a brief encounter, you were always greeted with a huge smile and often a humorous remark. Rick loved to make people laugh, his natural humor and ability to entertain served him well throughout his life.

Rick was born and raised in Alamosa, Colo., by his Parents Carl and Wilma Johnson along with his older sister Ginger (Johnson) Ludwig. Rick was an Eagle Scout, which enriched his love of the outdoors and innate respect for providing service to others.

Right out of high school, Rick worked for both the Public Service Company and Highway Department in Alamosa, while he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business and Education from Adams State College. He began teaching before graduating, educating, and inspiring students at Moffat High School where he taught science classes and coached basketball. His humor and creativity made him popular among students in his classes where he enjoyed finding unique ways of inspiring learning with projects that included building and launching rockets and simulating space travel.

Simultaneously, Rick served on Alamosa’s volunteer fire department for several years culminating in his appointment to Fire Chief. This was just one of many productive ways Rick moved forward in his career.

After graduating, Rick continued to work for the Public Service Company until he was offered a Managing position at the college bookstore, at his alma mater, ASC. His success led to an appointment to the National Bookstore Association Board. His many years of service included repeated invitations to present and teach at Stanford University where he again put his humor and creativity to use, finding entertaining ways to teach management techniques. This included a creative demonstration where he used a large machete to illustrate the pitfalls of using too big of a knife to open boxes. Unfortunately packing this “demonstration tool” in his suitcase led to detainment by authorities in a major airport. For many this would have been an upsetting experience, but to Rick it was material for his next opportunity to share an entertaining story. Just one of many funny anecdotes that we all loved hearing.

Rick was later promoted to Director of Purchasing for ASC where he worked until the day he celebrated his retirement by riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle down the entire length of the university’s well-known Richardson Hall. ASC honored Rick’s 29 years of devotion to the college with the “Distinguished Service Award.”

Retirement for Rick did not slow him down. He used it as an opportunity to take advantage of all the things he loved to do in life. Rick and Sharon purchased a lot in the beautiful mountain town of Pagosa Springs, Colo., and Rick put his woodworking talents to use by taking a big part in the building of their dream home. The basement included a shop filled with woodworking equipment, which Rick had always dreamed of. He spent much of his time outside creating gardens, waterfalls and winding rock paths including many areas to gather with friends and family, throughout the property. Some of these paths were turned into sledding jumps after winter storms, a definite favorite of his grandchildren. He also loved riding his Harley with Sharon through mountain passes and to motorcycle rallies. He earned supplemental income in his wood shop, creating unique furniture pieces and artistic antler chandeliers. He divided his leisure time in the summer between boating at Navajo Lake with his family, and relaxing at the mountain cabin he helped his father and mother build in South fork, Colo. He would often convey how the cabin gave him a genuine sense of peace and a profound connection to his parents.

Of all of Rick’s many passions, family was by far the most important and fulfilling to him. He loved being part of his grandchildren’s lives both attending and participating in their many activities, sports, and ceremonies. He had a unique connection with each of his grandchildren and loved to let them know how proud he was.

Rick packed a lot living, passion, and especially love into the 79 years he graced us all with his presence. As his family, we could not be more proud of the man that is our father, grandfather, husband. Although we miss his smile and humor, we are comforted by the incredible memories and genuine love he showed each and every one of us.

Celebration of life will be held Sept. 23, 2023, from 1-4 p.m., at the Cottonwood Cove Guest Ranch in South Fork, Colo.

We would love to have one more minute with dad. If you would be so kind as to leave a memory you have of being with him, pictures, or a joke he told you, in our tribute book. We would love to share those memories with you. We are excited to have these memories to revisit as years go by. Please leave these on his page at www.RogersFunerals.com.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements.