May 20, 1941 ~ Dec. 1, 2021
David ‘DJ’ Johson
It is with deep sorrow, long time resident, Ruth Martinson, announces the passing of her brother, David LeRoy Johnson (DJ).
DJ was the first born child to Harold and Florence Ruth Wild Johnson on May 20, 1941, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Although named after both his grandfathers, David was known as DJ most of his life. After several years Harold and Florence divorced and Florence married Joseph Weisenberger. Joe raised DJ as his own son.
The family moved to his maternal grandmother’s childhood family home in East Northport, New York on Long Island, on two acres of what people said looked like a park with its own woods. Also, a smaller home on the property DJ helped to build became DJ’s future home for a short time.
DJ completed the ninth grade then quit school to help support the family by mowing lawns then later joining his dad Joe painting houses.
At 19, DJ joined the Navy. The Navy was the joy of his life to serve. The Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War were two of the major conflicts he faced with honor and pride protecting the country he loved. He always wore a cap stating he was a vet and wore it with pride. People would stop and thank him for his service. His reply was always, “It was my honor to serve you and your family.” DJ, after several years of service, was honorably discharged from the Navy.
He pursued his next love, driving 18 wheelers local and over the road. He drove the whole east coast from Maine to Florida to Texas, up the Mississippi River to Canada and everywhere in between. He loved traveling to new places, meeting people, and seeing new scenery. He was never tired of driving. He did this for 35 years until he retired at 69 years old.
Although he was on the road when he was 52 years old. He made a stop in Syracuse, New York, that changed his life. To satisfy his sweet tooth he stopped in a donut shop for a donut and coffee. As he walked in, the waitress behind the counter looked up and their eyes met. It was “kismet,” they instantly knew they were meant to be with each other. Rose Guppy, 40 years old, was the one true love of his life. When he was on the road they talked daily, when he was home they were inseparable. They married soon after and their union lasted 27 years until she got an aggressive cancer and passed away Nov. 28, 2018.
In May 2019 DJ moved to Rangely, Colorado, to live with his sister Ruth. He loved Colorado, especially the mountains, the openness Colorado had to offer, and the friendly people and small town atmosphere.
Despite beating lung, kidney, bladder and skin cancer, the many years of smoking took a bigger toll on his body. Even quitting smoking at age 69, it left him with severe COPD. The altitude and dryness of Colorado made breathing even a bigger challenge, but he still pushed through.
DJ made many friends in Rangely, including his best friend and pastor, Roger Reed. DJ enjoyed their many rides throughout the countryside that were new and exciting to him. If they weren’t riding they were fishing, although I question that, they never brought any fish home. But they sure had fun trying.
DJ loved working in the yard as much as he could. He was never afraid of hard work. He had so many plans for the front and backyard he was working on.
He enjoyed attending church at Living Water Assembly, never missing a prayer meeting or Bible study, always eager to help out, especially eating the delicious food at potluck. One of the highlights in his life was Oct. 26, 2021, when he was baptized. This was a big day for him.
DJ was a soft spoken gentleman, always trying to help others, putting their needs before his own. Mostly he enjoyed making people laugh. He said life was too short to take it so seriously, but he was always self conscious not to offend anyone. He loved God, the country he served, his family and friends. DJ was 80-1/2 years old, and his goal for many years was to live to 100 years old. Unfortunately Nov. 19, 2021, DJ contracted Covid-19. He fought a hard battle and died peacefully in his sleep on Dec. 1, 2021.
DJ leaves behind those he loved dearly, his sister Ruth Martinson; niece Kristi and “June” Toledo; great nephew Hunter Stewart; nephew Kevin Martinson and Heidi Reeves, and great niece Lacey Martinson; as well as many friends.
Services will be at the Living Water Assembly Church (204 East Rio Blanco Ave., Rangely, Colorado) on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, at 1 p.m.. Graveside services will follow at the Rangely Cemetery with full military honors. Following the burial a luncheon will be served at the church for everyone in attendance. Online condolences may be shared at www.AshleyValleyFuneralHome.com
