Ross Dale Johnson

Ross was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, father-in-law, brother, uncle, cousin, neighbor, generous volunteer, friend to many and a man of Faith. He showed much Courage, Fortitude and Spirit throughout his life and during his 20 month courageous battle with colon cancer. He was 68 years old. His family will always remember Ross as their "CHRISTMAS EVE ANGEL." Born on Feb. 6, 1945, Ross at age 6 was adopted by the late Herman and Margaret Johnson, with his younger brother, Dave. 33 years after being separated, Ross and Dave were joyously reunited with their 4 older siblings. Ross had grown up in a wonderful small community on a ranch. He attended Surprise Valley High School in Cedarville, California and went on to receive his BS degree in Forestry from Humboldt State College in 1967. It was there he met Linda Kay Clark, an art student, and they married on Aug 5,1967. At his passing, they had been married 46 years. In 1967, Ross began his 37 year Professional Forestry career, beginning with LA County Forestry. The next 28 years, from 1975-2003, he worked for CDF (California Department of Forestry). Hee retired in 2013 as Deputy Director in Resource Management. During this time, he also enjoyed being a square dance caller for many clubs for 20 years, coaching his sons' in their love of baseball, hosting 6 sets of Asian exchange students and working side by side helping Linda with her folk art business. He generously shared his time and talents with others. Whenever there was a need, Ross was ready to help. After retiring, he served on El Dorado County Grand Jury in 2005 and volunteered for Snowline Hospice Thrift Store in Cameron Park from 2005-2013. His job was to test electrical donated items before being put up for sale. He loved music, gardening, wood working, coin collecting, guitar, keyboard and the LA Dodgers. Most of all, he loved his family and became a good friend to many. Fulfilling retired life: Four Seasons community as Chairman of the Social Committee since 2011 coordinating many events, SIRS 49 golf Club, Tennis Club and wonderful friendships. Linda and Ross also enjoyed retirement years traveling in the RV to see America and cruises & trips all over the world. They loved Hawaii and visits with their two sons and grandchildren in Thailand and Franklin, TN. Ross is survived by his best friend and wife of 46 years, Linda, pet Welsh Corgi "Jingles"; son Kevin and daughter in-law, Angsumalee ("Jeab") Johnson; his son, Jeff and daughter in-law, Liz Johnson. He was a wonderful grandfather to 6 grandchildren including: Caroline and Ella Johnson in Tennessee; and Athimeth ("X"), Anyapach ("Ice"), Pannapath ("Eye"), and Teeratath ("Urt") Panasitcharoen, plus 8 month old great grandson Mason Jones in Bangkok Thailand. He is also survived by his siblings: Darline Bouffard, Maury Rowley, Carol Clevenger, David Johnson, the late Orman Rowley, brother-in-laws Dave, Doug and late Richard Clark and many beloved nieces and nephews. He had a Blessed full Life and it was an honor to share it with him. Ross had a wonderful smile and was a gentle, humble man of Faith, with a voice of an angel, and generous Heart. "The first measure of a truly Great man is humility." (2013 Tennis Club "Ross Johnson Spirit Award")