Obituary of David Lee Johnson

Dave was born in Hornell, NY on March 17, 1949. He passed on June 10, 2022 following a decade long battle with Multiple Systems Atrophy in his home in Westminster, CO. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Marion Johnson and step son Chris, and is survived by his loving wife, Barb Bryant of Westminster, CO, daughter Melissa Kelly Dolphin (Mark) of Milliken, CO, daughter Kary Johnson of Mtn. Home, ID, and son David Lee Johnson II (Christina) of Newport Beach, VA, sister Joan Bianco (Dennis) of Clearwater, FL, step son Greg Bryant of Tulsa, OK and many grandchildren.

Ever strong, stubborn yet soft-spoken, Dave loved the Lord his God, his family, and his country. He was an Army veteran who completed multiple tours in Vietnam, and later in Korea. Dave was generous to a fault, always a little quicker than anyone else to get to his wallet when it was time to pay at a restaurant.

Also a gifted athlete, Dave was a running back on his high school football team. However, most of his life, Dave loved to run, and he competed in multiple marathons throughout the active years of his life, and was an Olympic Torchbearer as the torch made its way through CO for the 2002 winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, UT.

Dave was married to Marietta Kay Johnson in late 1971, and they later divorced in 1995. Blessed to find Barb Bryant, they were married in a small mountain ceremony in Golden, CO in 1999. Dave loved Barb deeply, and Barb was often heard calling Dave, “the love of my life.” Barb selflessly and tirelessly provided care for Dave in their home in Westminster right up to his passing.

Towards the end of his life, Dave got to “wheel” his daughter, Melissa down the aisle in 2020.

Internment of Ashes

Date: Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Time: 10:30 AM

Place: Ft. Logan National Cemetery

4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236

Celebration of Life and Reception

Immediately following internment

Place: University Park United Methodist Church

2180 University Blvd, Denver, CO 80210

Walk in Honor of Dave

Those who knew and loved Dave know that he was a talented and prolific runner. He later walked when his health prevented him from running. Immediately following the reception, please join the family for a brief walk on the beautiful DU campus.