December 9th, 2015 our dear husband, father and grandfather was called home by his Heavenly Father to reunite with his mother and father and many other loved ones that welcomed him…as he slipped away peacefully in his sleep due to heart arrhythmia. David Wallace Johnson has lived a life of exemplary service to others. His first and foremost love was that of our Savior Jesus Christ whom he testified of daily in thought and action not to mention his way of always letting others know of his belief in Jesus Christ and His divinity. There was rarely a conversation that he had with others, no matter who they were, that he did not share his testimony of the gospel and his love of the Savior. Because of his understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ he had a love and compassion for his eternal family. His service to his family was magnanimous.
Upon the return of serving a full time mission to the British Isles, which he spoke of often and referred to as one of the greatest experiences of his life; he was married and sealed to his eternal sweetheart Ann Reimann in the Salt Lake Temple on June 21st, 1963 by President David O. McKay. President McKay was a dear family friend and he was named after the prophet because of this sweet friendship. David and Ann's love was truly celestial as they each took care of one another in remarkable ways. Their love for one another was exemplary to their children, grandchildren and many other observers.
David had a life of many challenges and trials, which he always overcame with tremendous faith and eternal optimism. His family often called him the "eternal optimist". When he was twelve years old he lost his mother to breast cancer, and while serving his mission his father passed away due to heart troubles. We can only imagine the sweet reunion of this family as they welcomed David home.
David was an avid cyclist. One of his greatest accomplishments as a cyclist was his century ride around Lake Tahoe in honor of his wife who had just survived breast cancer. He loved the exhilarating feeling of the opposing wind as he rode his bike nearly 26 miles a day. On September 9th, 2006 while cycling he was hit by a car and became quadriplegic. His faith never waivered as he promised the Lord he would serve even more diligently. His life as a quadriplegic for the past 9 years has been nothing short of inspirational for hundreds and possibly thousands of people. He never showed any anger towards the driver of the car and had great compassion and forgiveness. His diligence and perseverance was inspirational to many who met him…one of his favorite places to make new friends was at Lifetime Fitness where he worked out three times a week, many would comment how his determination helped them get through their own workout as they saw him working hard despite his limitations.
Over his life he has served in many capacities, too many to mention…from home teacher to Bishopric member and High Counselor. But his favorite place to serve was the temple. His testimony and eternal perspective drew him there…his service in the temple as an ordinance worker in the Jordan River and Draper Temples spanned nearly 20 years. He was currently serving on Saturday's in the Draper Temple and was often found at the recommend desk welcoming all who come to the House of the Lord.
David's graduation from the University of Utah in Chemistry led him to the work field of the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company, which eventually led him to his current career. David currently worked and owned, Occupational Health Care International, one of the pioneers of drug and alcohol testing in the industry. This family operated business employed many of his children and grandchildren along with others who have become like family too. He not only loved those that he worked with from day to day but truly had a love and compassion for all of his clients who were never considered anything short of being his friend.
David had a great love of his country…he served a short time in the National Guard, which set the premise of his love of country. He took great interest in those that serve our country, whether on the battlefields or in the political realms and prayed for wisdom and leadership to direct their paths.
His influence on people has been reflected with many who have come to give their condolences. We feel that there are many who we would consider survivors of this great man's influence….his legacy of Christ like attributes which he developed throughout his life as he loved to read and study the scriptures. He became our hero just as Captain Moroni was his hero…his favorite scripture and lifetime mantra was…Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, (David Johnson) behold the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men. Alma 48:17
He will truly be missed by his eternal wife and companion, Ann Reimann Johnson, and his children, Anjie (Kim) Barney, Shane (Holly) Johnson, Carla (Darron) Kroll, and Troy Johnson. His grandchildren, McKenna (Blake) Tracy, Miranda (Kyle) Hancock, Taylor (Shon) Stallings, Weston Barney, Pyper Barney, Jordyn Johnson, Jake Johnson, Kara Johnson, Logan Johnson, Jameson Kroll, Seth Kroll, Jade Kroll, Caleb Kroll, Brittain Johnson, as well as three great-grandsons. He will also be missed by his loving sister Helen Jean Cutler. Although he did not have a brother his best friend Charley Mertlich was more like a brother in many ways possible. He is also survived and missed by brother in laws, Bill Harrison and Richard (Ronnie) Reimann and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Wallace Pyper Johnson, mother Jane Walker Johnson and his sister Betty Ann Warner.
The family would like to thank both the first responders and Larkin Mortuary for their care on behalf of David. We hope you will join us to celebrate this great man's life… The viewing will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy UT on Monday, December 14th, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm . There will also be a viewing at the Forest Bend Chapel on 7784 South 2000 East, Sandy, UT on Tuesday, December 15th, 2015 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am after which the funeral services will begin at 11:00 am.
