Calvin Jay Johnson Obituary (1931 - 2015)

Our father, Calvin Jay Johnson, 84, took his final adventure on Aug. 2, 2015. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to all. When he returned home to be with his son, Calvin, and his many loved ones, his family was there by his side to express their deep and profound love and to wish him a peaceful journey. Our father was born March 27, 1931, in Salt Lake City to Ferrebee James Calvin (Doc) and Afton Thomas Johnson. He married Bobbie Wrigley in 1961 and shared with her 54 years of his life. Dad graduated from Davis High School in 1949, then went on to serve an LDS Mission to Hawaii from 1949-1951. He came home and attended The University of Utah and was a member of the Utes' track team. He went on to serve two years in the United States Army. When he was released he joined the Salt Lake City Police Department where he served for 12 years. Always a great entrepreneur, he established many businesses in his lifetime, including a beauty salon, ambulance service and Johnson Ready Mix. In the mid-1960s, he opened Utah Barricade in a small garage and grew it to be one of the largest barricade/sign companies in Utah, then went on to open Safety Supply and Sign, Mountain West Striping, Utah Barricade in St. George and Idaho Barricade. He was not only a builder of businesses, but also people. He had the ability to draw the very best from people and for that he will be long remembered. While he had a great mind for business, he always considered his greatest accomplishment in life his family. He taught us to work hard, play hard and respect others. Throughout his career he was heavily involved in the Associated General Contractors. He was also well known for his generosity. He frequently donated his time and equipment to various groups and organizations, including the Utah Chapter of the March of Dimes. No matter the season, dad was always in search of an adventure. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, snowmobiling, boating, four wheeling, jeep safaris, motorcycle adventures and taking care of the yard at his cabin in Bear Lake. He especially looked forward to his times spent at Lake Powell, Bear Lake, St. George, Hanksville, the Utah Jazz and visiting friends in Idaho. Among his most treasured memories were those with his family and friends, and always joked a person couldn't have too many coffee breaks in a day. Our dad was a strong willed person and was the rock-solid patriarch to all of us, and we will miss his strengths and wisdom. He considered all those he met his dearest friends. He had a way about him that put friends and strangers alike at ease and feeling comfortable. He remained warm and strong to the very end. The family would like to express their love and sincere thanks to the staff and doctors at Aspen Ridge. They made the center his home away from home and he came to consider the staff among his dearest friends. They all helped to make him as comfortable as possible during his most difficult times, and for that we are deeply grateful. He is survived by his wife, Bobbie; children: Cally (Tony Parker) Johnson, Cheryl (Mark) Harding, Jeri Rogers, Vicki (Todd) Inman; Grandchildren: Misty (Derek) Huntsman, Joshua Harding, Riley Rogers, Reagan Rogers, Cody Inman, Curry (Raisha) Inman, Carli (Manny) Cervantes; Great Grandchildren: Taygen Huntsman, Emersyn Huntsman, Westyn Inman, Chipper Inman, Waylon Inman. He is preceded in death by his parents, his twin sister, Carolyn Fay, and his beloved son Calvin Jay Johnson II. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 8, 2015, at 12 noon at the Murray Utah South Stake Center at 5735 South Fashion Blvd. (300 East). A viewing will be Friday evening from 5-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary, 1007 West South Jordan Parkway(10600 South), South Jordan, and Saturday morning from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment: Murray City Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary-Murray 4760 South State Street Murray, UT 84107