Gary Douglas Johnson

May 17, 1936 - November 25, 2021

VISTA, CA —

Gary Douglas Johnson was born on May 17, 1936 in Fremont, Nebraska. His father Alfred and his mother Clara (Jensen) worked the family farm. The family moved to California when Gary was six months old. They resided in Olive, where Gary went to St. Paul’s Elementary School. When Gary was nine years old, he attended West Orange Elementary and then went to Orange High School. He was in the first graduating class from the new Orange High School on Shaffer Street in 1954. He went to Orange Coast College and earned a track scholarship to the University of Arizona. Gary was always an avid sportsman. He lettered in football and track. He held the record for the shot put for many years at O.H.S. In 1958 he was named Athlete of the Year at O.C.C. He was a 3-year member of the Sea Scouts.

In February of 1958 his classmate, Bill Cain, asked if Gary would go on a blind date. He said, “Yes” and that is how he met Linda Bryan, who became his wife in August of 1959. Gary and Linda had three sons: Bryan, Brett and Gary David. Gary enjoyed his family time. They went fishing, camping, boating, golfing and traveling. The family stories from these trips are legendary.

He was always

committed to his community. He was initiated into Sigma Alpha Epsilon at the University of Arizona in 1956; a Sergeant in the CA National Guard; a member of Orange Rotary; a participant in Orange City Council Meetings; an Indian Guide Leader; a Little League Manager in Villa Park for 16 years. He also initiated the dugout and sports center on the field at Cerro Villa Junior High School.

Gary graduated from Long Beach State College in 1961 with a BS in Civil Engineering. He began his career with the City of Orange in 1962. He worked for the city for 32 years becoming City Engineer. He became a life member of the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1965. When he retired from Orange, he went to the City of Villa Park for 5 more years. He loved his job – a very lucky man.

Gary and Linda enjoyed 62 years of marriage. Gary leaves his wife Linda; his son Bryan, Bryan’s wife Janie and five children: Alexandria, Sydney, Katie, Matthew and Justin; his son Brett along with his wife Monique and daughters Taylor and Madison; his son Gary David, wife Karmen and daughters Brooke and Haley. He also leaves his sister Judy, his sister-inlaw Cathy Reyburn (Jeff ) and sister-in-law Valerie Fitzpatrick (Dave). He also leaves many Jensen and Johnson cousins.

He was very proud of his Danish heritage. Gary was cremated and is waiting for Linda to take their final cruise.

Donations may be sent to Elizabeth Hospice. 500 La Terraza Blvd. Suite 130 Escondido, CA 92025.

Please sign the Guest Book online obituaries.sandiegouniontribune.com