Something told me to "google" Eric today. I am saddened to learn of his passing. We attended Orchard View High School and graduated together in 1965. When Eric played King Arthur in A Connecticut Yankee at OVHS, I was Merlin. Great fun and fond memories.

On July 3, 2021, Eric Johnson forever changed my life. This is one of my favorite stories to tell. I was visiting North Cascades National Park in a very small town called Stehekin, only accessible via boat or hiking, with my mom on my second day living in Washington State. We had noticed this other family on the boat over. After a lovely morning of exploring, my mom and I grabbed some lunch and sat down to eat. Just then, the man we recognized as part of the family from the boat started a conversation with us, just one table over. Immediately, he reminded us of my mother’s father - friendly, chatty, and full of so many stories to share. He mentioned his daughter lives in Seattle and just finished grad school at University of Washington. Well I had just moved to Seattle to start grad school at UW! He mentioned his wife both plays and teaches violin. Well my mom both plays and teaches violin! After chatting by for a bit, the 2 other women in this man’s family joined him at the table next to us and we all started talking and found we had more in common such as our love of national parks, traveling the country, and more! This is when Eric changed my life. He asked me, “Do you have a phone number?” It was clear that he wanted his daughter and I to become more acquainted. Luckily, I did in fact have a phone number! And that began my more than 4 year (and growing) friendship with Linnea, who is one of my most favorite people on this planet. I am so grateful to Eric everyday for bringing Linnea and the whole Johnson (and now Atherly) family into my life. A year and half later, I spent some pre-thanksgiving time with the Johnsons and friends, where aerie greeted me at the front door of Linnea’s Seattle apartment with tears saying, “I did a good thing!” Eric was alluding to the friendship he kindled between me and Linnea, which was indeed a very very good thing. I recently had the privilege of standing with Linnea as she married her best friend. While Eric was not able to be there, he was more than present in spirit and his memory added to the beauty of the wedding. Eric has clearly made a huge impact on so many, and I am so lucky to be just one example of his friendliness, charisma, and bold existence. Thank you Eric Johnson, for adding so much love, laughter, and light into my life, and the lives of so many others. 

My brother, Chuck Kozal, who passed in 2009, graduated from Orchard View HS with Eric. Oh, the stories that were told... over... and over... and over... Especially those in Mr. B's choir room. So much good fun and laughter! I think there may have been a fire cracker involved at one point in time.... The Johnson family so truly special in so many ways. My sincere condolences to your family.   

Sorry for your loss. Went to high school with Eric. He was the kindness, most caring person I have ever known. 

In Loving Memory of Eric Johnson….I was deeply saddened to hear of Eric’s passing. I had the privilege of living with Eric and Cecilia for three months, and during that time I witnessed firsthand the kindness, warmth, and love that surrounded him. Eric was a truly special soul—gentle, thoughtful, and someone who made others feel welcomed and cared for. Some of my favorite memories are from those days spent with Eric’s family—sharing meals, laughing together, and feeling like I was part of their home. Eric’s smile and presence brought light to every room, and I will always be grateful for the time I spent with him and the opportunity to know him and those he loved. My heart goes out to Cecilia and Linnea during this difficult time. Please accept my deepest condolences. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope you find comfort in the beautiful memories and love he leaves behind. May Eric’s soul rest in peace. With sympathy, Sherif

Eric was a much loved member of our extended family and is already greatly missed.

Erik and I have been friends since kindergarten  and Orchard View High School Class of ‘65.   Music was our common interest.  Band , choirs, solo-ensemble, Michigan Honors Choir… and a passion for the Saint Olaf College Choir.  He was a wonderful man, jncredible voice.  I am so sorry for your loss    Cheryl Moen Bubolz

Dear Cecilia and family, I just found out about Eric's passing yesterday. My heartfelt, sincere condolences. Eric and I shared many performance experiences.  He was a fine tenor and a great colleague. 

My son, Thaddeus, had a very difficult middle school experience. Mr. Johnson was always supportive of Thad- telling him that he had performed well or that it was good to see him. These kind words helped buoy Thad  on to better days!! Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful person with us!

That Eric was influential in the lives of two caring, compassionate women, Cecilia and Linnea, is testimonial enough for anyone.

Eric was a friend since elementary school. We were in the band, choir, and musical ensembles together.  We were both blessed with a wonderful Music Educator, Carl Borgeson.  He was the best. Music was alive in our schools .  So many of us went on and furthered our careers in music.  Eric was an outstanding  musician, artist and educator.  He will be missed.   

Eric was a few years ahead of me at Orchard View High School. We had a fantastic music and theater department for a small, rural school district. I remember the outstanding part he played as King Arthur in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. It's a joy to hear that he went on to do such wondrous things in music. He was a talented and gifted person.

My wife Darlene and I grew up in the same neighborhood as the Johnsons.  We went to school with Eric and the rest of the kids.  We both have fond memories of those years.  You have our sincere sympathy.

Tom and Darlene (Hobart) Fielstra

So sorry for your loss. I do donate to Drs without boarders every year 

Once at a reception of the wedding of Steve Antalek and Kelly Southerland where I wanted to dance and my husband did not, Eric ( the teacher of Steve) gracefully said he would dance with me. It was an old fashioned kind of dance and one could tell that Eric had some experience at this art. Eric let me know that I was trying to lead in the dance and that I should let him lead! 🤣 I loved his frankness and for one moment, it took me back to my childhood experience with my father who had told me the same thing when trying to teach me ballroom dancing. This was a beautiful memory for me.  Eric was an honest and forthright man who loved his family. 

Thank you for your contributions to this world. 🙏

Dear Cecilia and Linnea, He was one of a kind. A wonderful example of commitment, compassion , humor & wisdom. He loved you and you loved him, a beautiful family man who will be missed by many. My deepest sympathy- Lisa Caesar

I will miss opening the front door to greet a smiling Eric with a plate of cookies, and inviting him in to see our kitties and hear what music our kids were playing. I will miss how he used to glow every time he spoke of Linnea's latest news or told a story about her. And I will never forget how he stood on the sidewalk by his house, trying his best to motion "Slow down!" to the cars and even the school bus that careened down our street. He made our street feel like a neighborhood! Hugs to Cecelia and Linnea. And everyone should take a lesson from Eric... slow down! 

Eric's memory and your family's love is a blessing.  Sending love and light.

Loving family of Eric- I consider it an immense blessing to have had this amazing husband and father cross my path during our days together at MVCDS. He knew how to light up a room and watching he and Linnea interact was mesmerizing. He was so proud! I adored talking to him about music at the various school concerts and always took away a new tidbit of knowledge. We are all better that he was in our midst.

So incredibly sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.