Richard Johnson
courtesy photo
Richard Johnson
RONAN — Richard LeeRoy Johnson of Ronan, passed away, unexpectedly, on Oct. 10, 2023.
Richard was born in Laramie, Wyoming, on Oct. 6, 1970. He attended his early elementary school years in Long Beach, California, and then returned to Walden, Colorado, where he attended until high school. As a teen, he developed a love for sports and cars. At age 16, Richard moved to Greeley, Colorado, to attend AIMS Community College, where he learned the auto body trade.
Richard was extremely proud of his artistic capabilities and demonstrated it in his airbrushing, graphics, pin striping, detailing, and painting of automobiles.
Through the years, he also learned several construction trades and owned a drywall business for many years. He then returned to his love of automobiles and has owned a classic car restoration business for several years. In his “free time,” he enjoyed riding Harley Davidson motorcycles and had a grin from ear to ear.
Richard’s greatest desire in life was to be a father and have a family of his own. The love and devotion he had for his wife and four boys is undeniable to all that knew him. He enjoyed doing family-related events such as camping, day trips to the lake and anything that allowed him to have fun with his kids. He was often the biggest kid of all! Some of his boys’ fondest moments with their dad include: (John) going to Texas Roadhouse, helping dad (Mathew) going to basketball and football games, practicing sports together, (Benjamin) “secret trips” when they went to Shriner’s Hospital visits, eating dad’s barbecue, (Abel) wrestling with Dad and drifting the car!
Richard has made great contributions to the kids in his community. He has been a friend, mentor, and coach to many. As a coach, he is known for always including every kid regardless of their skill and ability level, encouraging them to focus on having fun and teaching them the true meaning of sportsmanship.
Richard is survived by his wife, Crystal Johnson; his four sons, John, Mathew, Benjamin, and Abel; moms, Midge Phillips and Karen Knoll Martin; dads Michael Martin and Richard Orton; brother and sister-in-law, Steven Johnson and Tina Woody; sisters, Brandy Martin, Cynthia Dragonfly; nephews, Stevie Johnson and Tyler Reeves; niece, Tasia Reeves and many other aunts, uncles, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.
All that loved him miss him! Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at: www.shriderthompson.com
Arrangements are under the care of Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home.
