Loren Thomas Johnson
December 7, 1943 - September 28, 2023
This kind and generous man combined a quiet strength, through good times and bad, with wit and loyalty. Despite the progressive challenges and agony of Parkinson’s disease, Loren remained an engaging and caring man. He died from complications of Parkinson’s, surrounded by loved ones at Legacy Retirement Village in Salt Lake City.
The written word was Loren’s first love – especially a good double entendre – and he shared it enthusiastically through book clubs, Shakespeare festivals and his classes. Author Willa Cather held a special place in his devotion.
Loren’s second love was travel, and he proved an attentive paramour. Favorite destinations usually included Europe, but his passport was well used around the globe. If you were lucky enough to join him, the experience would always be “educational.” Post retirement he lived briefly in La Junta Colorado and Klamath Falls, OR – to be near the hiking wonders of our national parks.
He expanded so many lives as our beloved brother, uncle, cousin, neighbor, teacher, companion, and friend. The oldest of 3 sons born to Ruth and Floyd Johnson in Kalispell, MT, Loren graduated from Flathead High School in 1962, studied at Morningside College in Sioux City, IA, and received degrees from Eastern Washington University (BA) and Westminster College (MA). Kearns High School served as his educational home for 35 years, where thousands of students broadened their minds under his tough English and Advanced Placement classes, and he earned recognition as Utah Teacher of the Year.
In his own words, “Even before I started kindergarten, I began ‘teaching’ my younger brother. I will always have concepts to learn, ideas to share, skills to master and lives to touch.” He kept true to his word. Each life task, volunteer role, and casual exchange with family, friends, coworkers, and care givers was touched with love and joy.
Many knew Loren through his years working alongside spouse Paul Larsen at the Oaken Bucket restaurant in Granger. They took pride in providing gracious hospitality, fine cuisine, and joyful friendships. Others knew him from one of his other second jobs which a lifetime of teaching often requires. Loren’s generosity continues with bequests to Glacier National Park Fund, Utah Shakespearean Festival, and The Willa Catha Pioneer Memorial and Education Foundation.
Predeceased by his parents, and spouse Paul, he is survived by brother Mark (Trish) Johnson of Highland Ranch, CO and their children Christine (Andy), Matt (Sarabeth); brother Herb (Pam) Johnson of Vancouver, WA and their children Jamie, Katie; numerous friends, neighbors, co-workers, students, and admirers. Special thanks and blessings to the staff at Legacy Village and Renew Hospice. Please join us in a celebration-of-life on Loren’s 80th birthday, 2:00 to 4:00 pm Thurs Dec 7, 2023 at Legacy Village of Sugar House.
“Nothing is so strong as gentleness and nothing is so gentle as real strength,” St. Francis de Sales.
In Loving Memory
My sincere condolences at Loren's passing! Mr. Johnson was my English teacher senior year at KHS. He was a magnificent teacher. I learned so much and it was a real pleasure being his student. He was so funny, a master at his craft. He loved teaching and loved great literature, his influence continues on in so many lives. My mother Lorraine Linares was also a teacher at Kearns High and she and Loren were dear friends. After senior year I understood why she loved him so much. I will remember him always.
Elena Ziolkowski
Nephi, UT
I was fortunate to have Loren as my mentor at Kearns High School during my student teaching in the mid eighties. He was very skilled, calm, and thoughtful. His love for great literature was contagious. I'm grateful to have known him and to have learned from him.
Scott Allen
Cottonwood Heights, UT
A world without Tommy Teacher . . . so hard to comprehend. I was so fortunate to first, have him for AP English and second, connect with him so many years later to become real friends. Every four or five months or so, we'd get together for lunch, talk about books, travel, just life. I so enjoyed the time we spent as friends. He always had a new read to add to the growing TBR pile, or we'd exchange books when we each came across a particularly good one. I will always be grateful for what he taught me: not just language and linguistics, but the love of it. And, I will always miss this incredible man of whom I was so fond. Thank you, Loren, for everything.
Julie Brewer
nan, nan
What a great teacher! His love of literature showed in his instruction.
Steven Holfeltz Jr.
Salt Lake City, UT
I remember this man with fondness, his heartfelt and sincere counsel will be remembered for all time. I was an AP English student that was less than stellar grade wise, because of a health scare that turned out to be nothing at all. I hope he knew how much I appreciated his help. I wish peace and comfort to his family.
Kenneth Loveday
Kearns, Ut
"Mr. Johnson" was an outstanding teacher. He taught me and many, many others to love reading and stories, and I'll always remember him for that. Beyond that, his kindness and humanity were what I'll remember him for most. His classroom was a safe haven where you could be sure that you would be treated with humanity.
Mike Nielsen
Brooklet, GA