Gary Bernard Johnson, 72, passed away peacefully at his home in Central Point, Oregon, on June 26, 2026, after a long illness of Primary Progressive Aphasia, a type of FTD.

Gary was born on April 3, 1954, in Ketchikan, Alaska, to Bernard and Martha Johnson. In 1955, his family moved to Roseburg, Oregon, and over the following years lived throughout Southern Oregon and Southern California before settling permanently in Newbury Park, California, in 1969. Gary attended high school at Newbury Park Adventist Academy, where his parents worked. He graduated from the Academy in 1972.

In 1973, Gary joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a photographer who captured aerial images used in mapmaking. After his military service, he began his career in construction, a trade that perfectly suited his creativity and attention to detail. A talented craftsman, Gary excelled in every phase of construction but especially loved carpentry.

Gary married in 1977, and though that marriage later ended, it produced three wonderful children, Summer, Tami, and Dustin. One of Gary's greatest joys was being a father.

In 1988, Gary married Teri Englestad at Lithia Park in Ashland, Oregon. They had a loving partnership that spanned forty-one years. Gary was an adventurer, salmon fishing in the Bering Sea multiple summers with his father, owning several boats he and Teri took to the Channel Islands, and riding Harleys and dirt bikes. He was also a scuba diving instructor at Sports Chalet and went on several tropical scuba diving vacations.

Gary was an amazing mechanic who could fix almost anything. Whether working on cars, boats, or motorcycles, he solved problems with patience and ingenuity. He was also an exceptional artist who could sketch freehand with remarkable accuracy and a lifelong movie buff who especially loved The Quiet Man.

In 2020, Gary and Teri moved to Southern Oregon, settling in Central Point. They enjoyed visits from family and days at the river, hiking, bike riding, and camping.

Gary will be remembered for his gentle spirit, kind heart, quiet strength, and sense of humor. He was a thoughtful listener, a faithful friend, and a man whose deep Christian faith shaped the way he loved and cared for others. His greatest legacy is the love he poured into his family and the example of grace, generosity, and faith that he leaves behind.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife, Teri Johnson; his children, daughter Summer LaQuerre and grandchildren Maya and Lily, daughter Tami Padilla (John) and grandchildren Nathan, Brooke, Kanan, and Quinn, and son Dustin Johnson (Colleen) and grandchildren Kenley, Camden, Marley, and Zoey; his brothers, Rick Withey (Ellen), Tim Johnson and niece Violet (Chris), Ron Johnson (Kris) and nieces Katelin and Stephanie (Chris), Randy Johnson; and many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Martha Johnson; his son-in-law, Pierre LaQuerre; and his nephew, Anders Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Gary by scheduling quality time with your loved ones.

A private celebration of life will be held for family and friends.