Donald “Don” Walter Johnson, 73 of Santa Cruz, California, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2026, ushered by loved ones. Don was born on February 4, 1952, in Oakdale, California, to his parents, Ralph and Lorraine Johnson. In his youth, Don enjoyed building model cars, slot car racing, pickup games in the yard, surfing, working on his Chevelle, and flying off to New York.

Don spent much of his professional life trucking; a work that fueled his vagabond spirit and supported his love for travel and sightseeing. “Like a band of gypsies, [he] went down the highway” and he “traveled every road in this here land”, earning him the extraordinary distinction of admission to the accident-free Million Mile Club. An avid fly fisher, in the 1990’s Don opened his own fly fishing and river guide business in Lewiston, California. This allowed him to live out his dream of spending every day in his favorite place, on the water. He spent this time of his life crafting his own rods, tying elaborate flies, and creating some of the happiest memories of his life—sharing his passion for nature and wildlife with others.

In 1970, he met Pam Roufs in Santa Cruz. Together, they had one daughter, Vanessa Johnson, who was the center of Don’s world. For Don, father was more than a title, it was a role that brought him incredible joy and fulfillment. He leaves behind his legacy of an easygoing, down-to-earth, caring, and compassionate nature in his daughter, Vanessa, and grandson, Dexten, both of whom he cherished above all else.

Loved by many, Don is remembered as a man of passion, always living life to the fullest. In addition to his love of fishing, he was a motorsports enthusiast, connected deeply with music, loved Monterey Bay, and cheered on his beloved Bye-Bye-Baby Giants and the Niners with fervid enthusiasm.

“You, who are on the road must have a code you try to live by”, and Don did. Don is remembered for his resourcefulness and open-mindedness, but above all else, he is immortalized as an exceptionally selfless man, who saw the best in people and was always willing to help anyone in need.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Johnson and Lorraine Johnson. He is survived by his brother, Ken Johnson (Karen Hart), his beloved daughter, Vanessa Johnson, his grandson, Dexten Johnson, and many cherished, lifelong friends. A celebration of Don’s life for friends and family will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital, and that those who love him, catch a wave, a ball, or a fish in his honor.  

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