Arthur Lars Ephriam Johnson passed away unexpectedly on June 2, 2016, at the age of 83, due to a heart attack following a lung biopsy.  Among others, he leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Devona Johnson.

 Art was born in Glendale, California on June 30, 1932 to his parents Alma (Lindbom) and Frank Johnson.  Art was raised during the time of the depression and learned the value of hard work and a compassion for others, which he carried throughout his lifetime.

 Returning from Korea after having served in the United States Army as an infantryman, 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean War, Art traveled to Oregon.  In 1955, Art met Devona Modrell in Corvallis, Oregon while she was working at the local movie theater.  Art swept Devona off her feet and they were married April 21, 1956; just recently celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary.  Not long after, Art and Devona moved to Sun Valley, California.  Art worked in the grocery business for Shopping Bag Markets, starting as a clerk.  In 1960, after having two children, Art and Devona decided to relocate to Palmdale in the Antelope Valley to give their children a good quality of life.  Art became the youngest supervisor at that time for Shopping Bag.  He was given the nickname “Lean and Mean,” probably a bit tongue-in-cheek, but he was known for getting the job done while garnering respect from his employees.

 In 1967, Art and Devona decided to relocate to Northern California for a more promising job opportunity with Purity Markets.  This did not play out as expected.  They decided to move back to the Antelope Valley but not before having a daughter to complete their family.

 Coming back to the Antelope Valley was a good decision.  A wonderful business opportunity came along for Art to buy his own small grocery store in Rosamond, California, with the help of a local banker who gave Art a business loan, based on faith alone.  In the small town of Rosamond, Art created a unique niche for himself and, in the words of many, was a mentor, friend, and valuable asset to the community and its residents. 

Art turned a small-time grocery store into a larger, full-service store, even incorporating a bank into his business; the first bank in the State of California that was inside of a grocery store, a concept which has become a standard practice.  Art offered the community friendship, supporting all community and service events, helping residents with groceries when they were struggling, and giving many of the younger people their first job in a town that had minimal opportunities for employment.

 In 1995, when the time of the mom and pop stores was being taken over by the “corporate giants,” Art sold his beloved market and decided to retire to Oceanside, California.  Retirement was not a time of idleness for this man who had worked 10- to 12-hour days for most of his life.  He became somewhat of a handyman, doing repair work for a property management company and interacting with people on a daily basis, sharing his stories and wisdom of life.

 Art loved his family immensely and enjoyed spending as much time with them as he could.  You could always go to him with any problem or worry and he would give you the insight to solve it yourself or he would take care of it.  Being with his family was the most important thing to him and that is what brought a sense of peace and joy to his heart.  It didn’t matter what we did, as long as we were all together as a family. 

 Art and Devona’s family grew to include their three children Kellene (Chuck) Richards, Rick (Linda) Johnson, and Denise Johnson; his six grandchildren Amber (Dan) Morales, Brieanna (Dylan) Shaw, Kelsey (Zack) Gowing, CJ Richards, Cierra Souflis, and Aeris Souflis; and his three great grandchildren Everly Shaw, Violet Shaw, and Macyrae Richards.  Art was preceded in death by his parents Alma and Frank Johnson, his sister Greta Johnson, and his brother Bob Johnson, along with several half-brothers and half-sisters.  Art also leaves behind many nieces and nephews that were dear to his heart. 

 Art will be greatly missed by his wife’s family, Joyce and Dave Gambee of Portland, Oregon, Ronald Modrell of Washington State, and Linda and Bob Buchanan of Oceanside, California, along with the many, many other family members and friends that he has touched along the way during his time on this earth.

 The family is planning a Celebration of Life, per Art’s request, at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family knows that Art would want you to Pay It Forward, be kind to others, and help those you find in need.  In reading many tributes and stories about Art, the family realizes the impact he has made on so many, and we wish for you to carry his philosophy of life with you.

 To the Husband, Father, Grandpa, and GGpa….we will miss your guidance, we will miss your wisdom, we will miss our talks, we will miss your hugs, we will miss your laughter with the twinkle in your eye, and we will forever miss the love you expressed for each of us.  Although a branch has fallen from our family tree, your legacy lives on through all of us.  We know you will be guiding us, loving us, and protecting us as you take your place next to the Big Man.  See you on the other side…