*Those attending the services to honor Richard will be required to wear a facemask and adhere to physical distancing guidelines at the mandate of the Governor and Mayor.
Services on Saturday can be viewed via live broadcast at the following link: https://youtu.be/JWFZCeBri9s
Richard Bennion Johnson, 79, passed away on Saturday, August 08, of an extended illness. Richard was born on October 19, 1940 in Murray, Utah to Rolland and Ruth Johnson. He grew up on his parent’s dairy farm along with his older brother, Sherman, and younger brother, Ronald. It was there that Richard developed a strong work ethic.
Richard excelled throughout his school years. He graduated from Utah State and then the University of Utah, earning his juris doctorate degree. He moved to Arizona to begin his law career. He needed to establish Arizona residency, so he used that year serving as a law clerk for Chief Justice Jessie Udall, of the Federal Supreme Court in Arizona. He then joined a large law firm in Phoenix and after working there 10 years, he opened his own practice in Tempe.
Richard was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many ward and stake capacities. He cherished his associations and friendships he developed through that service. Richard had the opportunity to serve two missions for his church. The first as a young man in the Northern States Mission, and the second with his wife Carol, in the New York South Mission.
Richard is survived by his wife, Carol Bedford Johnson, and 11 Children and 24 grandchildren. Richard and his first wife, Joanne, had 6 children, Kristine (Rob) Corder, Mark ( Sally) Johnson, Melissa ( Russ) Kurtz, Matthew (Deirdre) Johnson, Anne Gould, and Michael Johnson. He was also father to Carol’s 5 children, Scott ( Becca) Fuller, Christina (Justin) Fuller, Brian (Patty) Fuller, David ( Nikki) Fuller, and Laura (Dolan) Fuller. He is survived by his brothers, Sherman (Janice) and Ronald (Sharon). He was preceded in death by his parents, Rolland and Ruth Johnson, his sister, Diane Anderson, granddaughter, Sarah Kurtz, and first wife, Joanne.
A viewing will be held at Bunkers Garden Chapel on Friday, August 14 from 6-8 PM. The funeral will be at the same location on Saturday, August 15 at 11:00am. The service will be streamed ( Check back here for the link.)
We send our deepest sympathy to your family at this difficult time. Your husband and father was always very friendly and kind to the Phillips Family. He was and is a good man who served his family and faith.
Lovingly,
David and Jane Phillips
Dear Carol and family, we are deeply saddened to hear about Richard‘s passing. We did not know him well but but we did know was his kind smile and welcoming nature. He will be missed at Clubhouse Village. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Warmly,
John and Katherine Bates
To my cousins Kris, Mark, Melissa, Matt, Anne and Michael. I’m so sorry for the loss of your Father. This must be such a heavy time for your hearts. You will be in my prayers as you go through this difficult transition. I remember your Dad being a kind man. My heart goes out to Carol and her children as well. May you all find healing in your happy memories and hope for an eternal reunion.
Sincerely,
Suzy Richardson
Richard was a wonderful, generous, patient man and a great roll model. I am lucky to have had his guidance for so long. I’m also thankful that Nikki and Sloane were able to create memories with him too. He will be missed.
I just found out about this gentleman dying. I didn’t know he was sick. I hired him as my attorney to discharge my duties as Trustee for my friend Gae Caward in Payson. The smartest decision I ever made was to hire him.
I met his lovely wife Carole and I send my deepest sympathy to her and the family.