Gene Johnson

Riley Eugene Johnson “Gene”
1939-2022

After a long brave battle with IPF, our beloved Gene Johnson valiantly earned his place in heaven on July 22, 2022.

He was preceded in death by mother Grace Johnson, father Stanley Johnson, brother and sister-in-law Stan Johnson and Sherrie Johnson, brothers-in-law John (Sheila) Leahy, Terry (Polly) Leahy, sister and brother-in-law Maureen and Del Ellis. Survivors include wife Mary Jo Leahy, daughter Debra Kay, brother Bob Johnson, brother-in-law Tom (Mary) Leahy, nieces Carrie Reilly (Mike), Jamie (Greg) Lemmons, Kate (Jace) Davis, Elaine (Vikas) Reddy, Ann Leahy, Maureen (Dan) Sullivan. Also survived by his nephews Eric (Celtie) Johnson, Patrick (Raleigh) Leahy, Kevin (Amy) Leahy, Mike (Mary) Leahy, Mark (Alli) Leahy as well as several great nieces and nephews.

Gene was born on January 15, 1939 in a slave shack in Waynesboro, Georgia to Grace and Stanley Johnson. Gene’s father, Stanley served in the United States Army during the Korean war.  He was stationed in Japan and was joined by the family where they resided for a few years.

After their time in Japan, the family returned to Georgia where Gene would split his time between Savannah and Augusta, Georgia.  Gene and his brothers Stan and Bob loved spending their time enjoying the beautiful beaches of Tybee Island and Hilton Head. Gene often told stories about living in Augusta and how the schools would shut down for the Masters Tournament. The children joyfully volunteered on the golf course and it was at Augusta National where his love of golf was born.

In his early years, Gene would work on the streets of Savannah shining shoes to supplement his income. Gene and his brother Bob both worked for an ambulance company in Savannah.  As Bob described the job, “You didn’t need training, you just needed guts.”  Their guts helped deliver several babies.  Later Gene worked for a land surveying company where he would be a part of creating what we now know as Hilton Head Resort. In 1956 Gene enlisted in the Georgia National Guard and was discharged in 1964.  He also served as a Georgia State Police Officer. He made the local paper for saving the life of a man who continued to point his gun at Gene and himself.  In classic Gene fashion, he was able to calmly talk the man into dropping his weapon and surrendering.

Gene’s parents eventually moved to Colorado and after a while, Gene decided to join them.  Gene worked to help secure the Denver University campus.  While working there, he was offered free classes and he happily took full advantage of this job perk. He loved learning so much, friends finally had an intervention to convince him to finally graduate and not just keep taking classes.  In 1976, Gene graduated with both a BS and a BA from Metro State University. Gene continued his interest in law and order and started his own private practice as a Forensic Criminologist investigating criminal cases set for trial.  He also worked for Land Title and later for Advantage Security, Inc. His love of golf led him to become a golf pro. The job he had the biggest kick out of was teaching kids to golf at Kennedy Golf Course.  Upon retirement, Gene decided to volunteer to work for the Arapahoe County Court.  Not that he applied for a position, he just showed up and said he wanted to volunteer.  No one had done that before, but they quickly put him to work.

Gene loved Colorado and all it had to offer.  He enjoyed water and snow skiing, fishing, golfing and spending a bit of time investing in Black Hawk. Fifty years ago he would rent an apartment at 10th and Pearl in Denver. It was there that he would develop friendships that would last a lifetime. During this time he also met his partner in crime Mary Jo.  For the first 20 years, they were good friends and eventually the relationship would develop into a great love of each other.  Gene and MJ were known for their relentless banter and teasing of one another, creating laughter for all to enjoy.  Nothing made Gene happier than to make people laugh.

Although, Mary Jo was the love of his life, a close second love of his life was food.  Anytime Gene was in the car he would instantly suggest restaurants that were on the way to where they were going and it didn’t matter that he had just eaten.  He had no qualms about driving for hours for BBQ and grits.  Beyond his legendary appetite, we will also remember his legendary stories.  No one could tell a better story than Gene.  He could captivate audiences of all ages. We can only imagine the stories he’s telling now, and we can only pray that God knows that some of the details about us have been skewed in order to keep audiences captivated.

Gene’s final hurrah:

The Viewing and Rosary will be held Wednesday, August 10 from 4pm-6pm at Horan and McConaty, located at 11150 E. Dartmouth Ave., Aurora, CO 80014.

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, August 11 at 10:30am at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church located at 3959 E. Iliff Ave., Denver CO 80210.  A reception will follow immediately after at the church.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to your favorite charity.  Our hope is that we can spread the same happiness Gene provided far and wide.

The funeral Mass will be live streamed at 10:30 Thursday by using the following link: http://mpbdenver.org/live-stream/