Harold Johnson

Harold L. Johnson of Denver, Colorado passed away on April 11, 2022 at the age of 92.

Unfortunately, Harold passed away early Monday morning in his sleep. He had been staying at Larry's home because of the extra care he required. We are thankful that he went very peacefully, did not suffer as his health had been declining rapidly and was not too far from being bed ridden. He passed away from an auto-immune disorder and complications from pneumonia that he had been fighting for over a year. He was an extremely strong-willed person who was constantly talking about getting back to his home where he lived for 59 years. Just the night before he was still talking about all the things and projects that he needed help with at his house when he got there. He had either never possibly understood, or accepted how bad his condition was, and was certain he would eventually get better and fought every day to do so, he never gave up.

Harold was an only child and was born at his parent's house in Denver, in the Barnum area. He was always a hard-working person. As a kid growing up, he had started working around the age of 11 or 12 while going to school. He worked at several different jobs. Out of high school he worked at two different places until the early 50s when the Korean war had started. He was drafted into the Army but on that very same day he went and enlisted in the Air Force. He wanted to be able to work on planes, but the Air Force needed mechanics to work on trucks and due to his mechanical ability, that is where he was placed. He served until 1954 until the war was over. After returning back home, he worked at several Ford dealers as a line mechanic . In 1960 he joined the Denver Fire Department because he said he needed a more secure job since I was already born and Larry was on the way. He was with the DFD until 1988 and retired as an engineer operating the ladder truck at fire station #22 . He loved his motor home and everywhere he went he would make new friends. When we were kids, we went on trips every summer, but after he retired, he and my mom started traveling the country seeing different places all year long.

As kids growing up, I remember both parents giving us just about anything we wanted until our early teens years, when we wanted something we needed to work for it. Many times, dad lent us the money to buy what we wanted or needed, but it was always a loan and we had to pay him back. Some of the best things we learned from him were work ethic, the value of a dollar and how to take care of things. Dad was a big influence on me when I became 16 years old and could start to drive. Since he worked on Fords for years and drove Fords exclusively, I wanted one also. In the 50s when he worked at some of the Ford dealers he bought a brand-new Ford in 1955, and he suggested that I get a 50s Ford, fix it up to drive and he would help me. In 1975 I found a 1956 Ford Victoria, we brought it home and fixed it to drive. Because of that I have made my living restoring, selling 50s Ford cars and parts for the last 45 years. I still have the 1956 Ford I bought when I was 16, and drive only Fords. Because of my interest in these cars for so many years, Dad also became very big into going to car shows, club functions, collecting and restoring these cars with me. Next to traveling, this is how he spent most all of his time.

He was always young at heart and didn't look his age until the last few years. Every person he met found him to be as friendly as can be, and quite a hoot to be around. He would constantly tell some of the most ridiculous, corny jokes that would always make laugh, just because he was so tickled telling them.

Fortunately, dad lived a long life without any real problems until just the last couple of years. He always had good health, a good income and could afford to do the things he wanted to do without much problem. I guess being 92 makes you pretty set in your ways, and sometimes would continue to do things against better judgement, but that was Harold, "I can do it" he would often say! He loved his motorhome and with his Maverick in tow would often go to Arizona for the Winter months. Just last year at age 91, he went there by himself for several months. Even being a 1000 miles away he would nock it out in a two days drive. He was very determined to do what he wanted to do, and he did it.

He will be extremely missed because of the wonderful times we had and the many things we did together. plus remembering him every time we pick up his tools or possessions.

From your sons, Ron and Larry

A Visitation will be held on Monday, April 25, 2022 beginning at 4:00 PM until 7:00PM at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood.

A Funeral Service honoring Harold's life will be held on Tuesday, April 26 2022 at 11:30AM at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood.  Interment will follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver.

Please share your memories of Harold and condolences with his family by signing the tribute wall.