Johnnie Morrell Bristow

1963 ~ 2020

On February 29, 2020, Johnnie Morrell Bristow, a loving father of three and a hardworking man, passed away at the age of 56. He lost his life in his battle with deep depression. Born on November 4, 1963 in Red Bluff, California. He grew up on a prune farm with two siblings, David Bristow and Carol Bristow. Anyone who knew Johnnie, knew that he was a hardworking man. He built his first business at the age of 17 and he let everyone know it. He took that passion and desire for a bigger and better life to Utah, where he met his wife of 13 years, Ellen K. Kelsch, and had three children. Son, Johnnie Morrell Bristow, Jr. (JB), Daughter Mackenzie K Bristow (Mar-Dete), and Son, Travis Wade Bristow (Skeeter Meister) and 8 grandchildren. He built a successful concrete business in pursuit of providing for his primary passion, his family. He learned to love his trade and could tell you every slab of concrete he had poured. Johnnie's heart was so big for family that he adopted the name "Faj" from not only his children, but their friends and the neighborhood kids as well. His grandchildren were the light in his life, and he thought of them and talked about them every day. He had dreams of taking them out to a baseball game and chewing on some Big-League Bubble Gum. Heserenadedeveryone with his love of music, mainly Bluegrass and Rock N Roll. Being too old for his dream of being in a band, he chose to spread his love and wisdom to young artists providing them with guitar lessons and giving away guitars. Music was his primary mode of expressing himself. Johnnie left behind many people confused and hurt who were rooting for his success and happiness. We are all devastated by his passing and will forever miss his Copenhagen chewing, Crown Royal and Coors Light drinking, MarlboroSmokin', Californian Beach Bum, Old Fashioned Cowboy, Good Ol' Oodi-lolly and his great company at his extravagant bonfires.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 3, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Larkin Mortuary Riverton, 3688 W. 12600 S. Riverton, Utah 84065.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 E. 4580 S., Millcreek, UT 84117.

Please keep in mind at social distancing orders are in place. We will only be allowing gatherings of up to 10 at a time. Thank you for your understanding.