Gary R. Johnson, 212th 65-66

Gary Robert Johnson Passed away at his home, the Villa Rhombus, on Monday, July 6. He was at peace and surrounded by his family and friends. Gary was born on September 12, 1943 in Tacoma, Washington to Anne and Harold Johnson, their second only child. He is survived by his nieces and nephew, Lisa Johnson, Gretchen (and Greg) Carrougher and Eric Johnson and by their children who he loved. He will be missed by his family and by his many friends here in San Francisco and around the world. Gary came to San Francisco in 1970 to pursue his career in architecture. He was a success in every way; first, with Beverly Willis and then as a senior designer at Kaplan, McLaughlin and Diaz. After retiring from KMD, Gary worked on independent projects. Gary also became a San Franciscan and was thoroughly involved in the City’s culture and society. Mr. Johnson was an astute critic and provided much appreciated guidance to his friends and associates. Gary Johnson was a special person, an accomplished architect and designer, a most unlikely Vietnam veteran, a spinner of tales, a wonderful friend and a great uncle. Gary made everyone he met feel special and all of us who knew him will always remember the light that shined from his beautiful eyes. There will be a celebration of Gary’s life at his home on Saturday, July 11 at 2PM. Memorial contributions in Gary’s name may be made to St. Elizabeth High School, 1530 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA 94601
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.Published in San Francisco Chronicle on Jul. 10, 2009.