Robert Carl Johnson

Robert Carl Johnson was born on February 17, 1937 to Esther and Charles Johnson in Muskegon, Michigan. Bob passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 24, 2024. At the age of 9 Bob moved with his parents, his brother Don and sister JoAnn from Michigan to California. He described this as a big adventure with all the family possessions piled into a Model T Ford. The Johnson Family lived in Southern California and Bob loved his childhood with Donny who he has described as his best friend and JoAnn his beautiful little sister. His parents worked hard to provide a loving and comfortable home for them. His young adulthood was spent largely around Redondo Beach, where he loved swimming, fishing, and deep sea diving. From all accounts he also spent a good amount of time pulling pranks and teasing his sister and brother. Bob was a hard worker and had part time jobs from the time he was 5 years old; catching fireflies for a study in Florida, bagging potatoes, watering lawns, shining shoes, working at a chicken ranch, fishing for mackerel, and the shipping department of Metlox Pottery. He enlisted in the Air Force at 17 (he should have been 18) and served 4 years as a military police officer during the Korean War. After the Air Force he returned to Metlox and started attending Electrician's Tech School. At age 23 he began his career with Southern California Edison and continued with Edison for 38 years until his first retirement in 1997. He was hired by Diversified Utilities Services as a technical specialist from 1998-2004. His years as "Big Bird" to his co-workers included hard work, lots of laughter, clever pranks and wonderful, enduring friendships. In 1961 Bob married Patricia Ann Remington and together they raised four children, Bobby, Laurie, Mary and Anna. The family settled in Visalia in 1963 and began the hard work of renovating their home and creating a beautiful country acre that was home to goats, cows, chickens, rabbits, turkeys, geese, sheep, a few cats and always a dog! He cultivated apple and citrus trees and grew a wonderful garden. Bob loved the work that came with his mini farm and the yard he developed was a fun place that has brought joy to 3 generations! During retirement Bob enjoyed trips to the beach, fishing excursions with his son Bob and grandchildren, woodworking and attending sporting events and performances for his grandchildren. Always very proud of his Swedish ancestry, he and Tish took a special trip to Sweden to connect with cousins and tour the town and home where his father was born and raised until his immigration to America. As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bob served his community through involvement with scouting and in leadership and teaching positions. He had a strong belief in Jesus Christ and encouraged his 4 children, 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren to "Do everything with love". He was completely devoted to Tish and would have celebrated 63 years of marriage in March. His family will always be thankful to have had a dad and grandpa with such a great sense of humor, who was a hard working provider, and a complete example of loyalty and honesty. He kept us laughing right to his final days and will be remembered with great love and gratitude for his life. Viewing will be held 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Monday, March 4th, 2024 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4000 W. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 AM. Graveside services will be held 12:00 PM Monday, March 4th, 2024 at Visalia District Cemetery, 1300 W Goshen Ave, Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Robert Carl Johnson

February 17, 1937 - February 24, 2024