Bernard M. Johnson "Bernie"

Bernard M.  Johnson “Bernie”,  83, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher, and greeter passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023 in Roy.  

Bernie was born on February 5, 1940 in Tropic, Utah to Bernard A. and Alice McCarthy Johnson. He lived in Tropic until his family moved to Farmington, Utah in 1951. He graduated from Davis High School in 1958. While working at Lagoon Amusement Park that summer he met the love of his life, Evalyn Ann Shurtleff, of Vallejo, California, who was visiting Utah. They corresponded through letters for the next few years. Bernie served a mission in Norway from 1960 to 1963 for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Bernie and Evalyn were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 31, 1963 with the ceremony performed by Elder N. Eldon Tanner, an apostle who later served as a counselor in the First Presidency to four presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Bernie and Evalyn lived in Ogden for 11 years, then bought a new home in Roy where they’ve lived for the last 49 years. They have eight children.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in various callings including teacher, counselor, scoutmaster, and Sunday School President. He was also ordained as a Stake Seventy and served as a stake missionary. 

Bernie attended Weber State and got a Bachelor of Science degree in History in 1970. He later earned a Master’s degree in Education Psychology from BYU. He worked for several years in the warehouses at Defense Depot in Ogden. He was employed for many years as a teacher at Weber Basin Job Corps and then Clearfield Job Corps. Later in life he worked as a substitute teacher in Weber and Ogden School Districts and as a greeter at Walmart in Riverdale. For over fifty years he was well-known as Santa. He loved arriving by helicopter, fire engine, monster truck, and more as Santa to local cities.

During his lifetime Bernie had many other side jobs which included selling World Book Encyclopedias, Electrolux, Cutco, and Thrive. He also worked part time as a janitor, snow shoveler, and retail clerk. 

Bernie loved Church History. He spent many hours researching and printing stories about his ancestors, especially his great-grandfather, Joel Hills Johnson. He led many hikes up Ensign Peak to remember and celebrate his heritage. He researched and shared articles about many Church History topics. He was also passionate about promoting and contributing to Relay for Life after his son, Jeff, overcame his battle with cancer in 1985. 

Bernie leaves behind his wife, Evalyn; and their eight children, Lori Nakayu Grover, Russell Todd Johnson, Jeffery (Jayna) Johnson, Jana (Carl) Johnson, Jill (Michael) Butt, Jennifer (Clark) Warner, Allison (Ryan) Andrew, and Anjanette (Ryann) Berg; along with 33 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, plus more precious babies on the way. He is also survived by his sister, Alice Gay Matheson. He was preceded in death by his parents, and six siblings,John Johnson, Edward (Ted) Johnson, Bruce Johnson, Bertha McGee, Gordon Johnson, and Anne Johnson Sellers; and a son-in-law, Tiny Grover.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Pheasant Run Ward Chapel, 5080 South 3100 West, Roy. No viewing will be held.

As a family, we would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Davis Medical Center, Harrison Pointe, and Heritage Park who helped take care of him during his final weeks.