Wayne William Johnson

Bountiful, Utah – Wayne William Johnson, 66, passed away peacefully February 9, 2013 after an inspiring battle with lymphoma cancer. He was surrounded by his family that adored him. Wayne was born October 10, 1946 in Lewiston, Utah the son of Lila McCurdy and William "Bill" Johnson. He married his biggest cheerleader and high school sweetheart, Marcia Meyer Johnson on February 11, 1966 in Smithfield, Utah and was welcomed into the Meyer family as the family tease and big brother. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple.
All of his childhood was spent "learning how to work" on a dairy farm in Lewiston, Utah. He was among the last graduating class of North Cache High School. He put aside a football scholarship at Snow College to marry his sweetheart and begin a family. Never one to put off his responsibilities while obtaining an engineering degree at Weber State University, he worked as a mechanic during the day and cleaned the university floors after night classes in exchange for his tuition. This was just the beginning of the sacrifices he would make to provide a stable and loving environment for his family. Upon graduation, he went to work for Kennecott Copper for 20 years making many memories and friends. He took his family on an adventure to work in the silver mining industry in Juneau, Alaska and then returned to Utah to work in the power industry for his last 20 years. Work gave him purpose despite the brutality of cancer. Wayne miraculously worked full time until a week ago – thanks in large measure to his compassionate and loyal colleagues at Utah Municipal Power Agency. May we express our deep appreciation to them and to Black Pearl/Morris Murdock for their unwavering support. His journey to fight cancer would not have been possible without them and the love of concerned neighbors and friends.
The phrase "go big or go home" seems tailor made for Wayne and his approach to life – whether it was 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, flying, water/snow skiing, or literally de-constructing and rebuilding a cabin in Bear Lake with his family. When Marcy would ask him to pick up a small roast for dinner, he never returned with less than a 10 pound slab of meat. Wayne loved all things Bear Lake; time with his family, boating, patiently teaching his nieces and nephews how to water ski, grilling anything for a family dinner and running his dog, Tucker, on the beach. Without a thought, he would help a stranded boater or stalled car. Wayne was a "fix it" man where ever he was needed. He felt a responsibility to his family, fellow man and country. Those times when Wayne found time for himself, you could find him having a steak lunch at Kitty Pappas third stool from the end with Matlock playing on the TV.
Wayne's example and life will leave an indelible impact on his family as they will miss him terribly. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Owen. He is survived by his wife, Marcia, son Troy Lisa Johnson Layton, UT, daughter Tiffiny Richard Lipscomb South Jordan, UT, son Cody Julianna Johnson Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; six grandchildren; Whitney, Madison, Jacob, Dylan, Louis and Blake; sisters Irene Butterfield Providence UT and Maxine WarnerThatcher, ID and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Glenn and her team at the Huntsman Cancer Institute for their valiant efforts and to the hospice team at Intermountain Health Care.
A viewing will be held at Lindquist's Bountiful Mortuary, 727 North 400 East, Bountiful Utah Tuesday, February 12, 2013 from 6-8pm. Funeral Services will be held 11:00AM, Wednesday February 13, 2013 at the LDS Val Verda 4th Ward building at 2550 S. and 50 W. Bountiful Utah proceeded by a viewing from 9:30. Wayne will be laid to rest next to his brother and father in the Richmond City, Utah Cemetery