Gary Dean Johnson passed away peacefully on June 1st at Northridge Hospital in Northridge, CA, with all his daughters by his side, following a 3 year battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Gary was born on January 9, 1943, in Oakland, CA to Cecil and Irene Johnson. They moved to Oklahoma when Cecil became MIA in WWII; later pronounced KIA. He attended Garfield Elementary and graduated from Ponca City High School. As a free-spirited young adult, he hopped onto his motorcycle and took opportunities to live and work where his heart led him; from building airplane parts at McDonnell Aircraft in St Louis, to framing art, silk-screening, and becoming a radio DJ in California. He went on to trucking - starting at Angelus Block, in Los Angeles, and ending his career traveling coast to coast, seeing much of the country.

Gary met the love of his life, Dixie, in Los Angeles, California. They married on October 25th, 1980, and exactly one year later, welcomed the first of 3 daughters. After moving their family to Frazier Park, Gary left trucking to be a stay-at-home dad and focus on his arts. He made many handcrafted customs, including Native American jewelry, dreamcatchers, hand sewn and beaded leather pouches, and native drums. He spent his summers at Pow Wows - eating frybread, telling stories, and even joining a drum circle or two. When his granddaughter was born, he happily spent his days with her and had a huge role in developing her artistic skill. He enjoyed retirement having coffee with his best friend, Ralph. They went on frequent adventures to antique shops and swap meets.

Gary made friends everywhere he went. He always had a story to tell, even if you heard it twice before. He was a true Dead Head with a broad taste in music and would share favorite tunes with anyone willing to listen.

He loved being on his Harley and even rode it back to Oklahoma, during winter, in his 70s! He was a loving husband and a proud dad, who supported his daughters and encouraged their growth and individuality. He loved being a Poppi taking his granddaughter to music stores and antiques shops. She was the apple of his eye, his partner in Nichiren Buddhism, and his greatest joy. Gary always remained true to himself and could be counted on for a helping hand. He will be greatly missed and cherished.

Look for him flying, he’s still keeping watch.

Gary is survived by his wife, Dixie; his three daughters, Sara of Porter Ranch, CA, Amber (Keith) of North Liberty, IA, and Amy of Bakersfield, CA; his granddaughter, Kianna; his close cousins, Ruth and Mary Catherine Stringfield of Arkansas; and lots of extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his good friend, and brother, Ralph Leos.

A Celebration of Life will be held privately on Saturday August 6, 2022.

In lieu of flowers – condolences can be sent to the family at 26801 Trestles Dr. Santa Clarita, CA 91351. You can also log in to his memorial site at https://obits. smartcremation.com/garyjohnson