Roger Frank Johnson

Roger Frank Johnson, after 89 years in passionate and joyful pursuit of all that life might offer, said goodbye to his beloved children and died peacefully at home with his wife, Gail, at his side. Born in Chicago Illinois on October 23, 1928, Roger attended New Trier High School where he was 1st chair violinist. Graduating from Northwestern University he joined his Denver roommate and life-long friend on a visit home to Colorado. Roger never left. Graduation from the University of Denver School of law was followed by service as a JAG officer in the U.S. Army. Returning once again to his home in Colorado, Roger attended the University of Colorado School of Medicine. A proud member of the original Denver General trauma unit “knife and gun club,” he continued to practice both law and medicine for many years. Finding a very few extra hours to put to good use, he pursued another passion-skiing, playing guitar in the old Hotel Jerome bar to pay for lift tickets. In his eighties Roger finally slowed down a bit to work on growing the perfect tomato, joining his wife’s Wednesday bridge group, and spending late afternoons with the family “boys’ club.” Roger’s greatest love was his family. Roger is survived by his wife Gail, his children: Amy Stavropoulos (Yanni), Addy McCord (Tom), Melinda Washam (Scott), Gunnar Johnson (Karen), Phoebe Miller, Megan Sisk and Chris Johnson (Dana); and grandchildren: Ellie, Yanni, Quinn, Alex, Wyatt, Emmett and Rowan Sage. As we celebrate an incredible life we hold him in our hearts and mourn a tremendous loss. A Service for Roger will be held on Sunday, June 10th, at 10:00 a.m. at Horan and McConaty Chapel located at 1091 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80246. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Roger’s name to Wounded Warriors Project.