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Obituary: Todd “TJ” Johnson

Todd “TJ” Johnson

Oct. 23, 1968 to Aug. 1, 2015

Todd “TJ” Johnson, age 46, resident of Frisco, Colorado, for over 20 years, died at his home on Aug. 1, 2015. He was born on Oct. 23, 1968, in Elmhurst, Illinois, to Donald and Marjorie Johnson. TJ was single, and had hundreds of valued friends far and wide. TJ had courageously fought brain cancer for the last seven years with determination and a positive attitude that was inspirational to all who knew him.

TJ received his BA degree from Illinois State University. He was a firefighter for the Red, White, and Blue station in Breckenridge, Colorado, and was extremely proud of his service and friendships made there. Prior to this, he had been quite active in Summit County in a variety of positions, including dog musher, pianist, carpenter and EMT technician. He loved the mountain community, and was happiest when he was there. TJ was an active member in the American Cancer Society’s “Bark for Life” canine event, with his longtime, trusted companion Buddy, who was a very special part of his life. TJ had numerous achievements in his life, including being Firefighter of the Year in 2001. However, he would say his friendships were his greatest and most valued achievement.

TJ had numerous other loves that were part of his very special life: music, softball, motorcycling, camping, hiking, backpacking, snowboarding and fishing. Of all of these, his love of music was noteworthy: He was a very talented musician, and played the piano, guitar, harmonica, drums and washboard with passion and soul. He was never happier than when he was with friends in a sing along. He also attended hundreds of music festivals, all over North America. He had a wonderful life!

TJ is survived by his parents, Donald and Marjorie Johnson of Lombard, Illinois; sister Kim (Larry) Johnson of Wheaton, Illinois; brothers Rick (Jayne) and Gregg Johnson (Teri) of Elmhurst, Illinois, and The Woodlands, Texas, respectively. He was a loving uncle to Melanie, Zachary, Caitlin, Kelly, Elise and Claire Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, http://www.firehero.org

There will be a Celebration of Life event for TJ at the Red Rock’s Trading Post event area, located in Morrison, Colorado, on Sunday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. Dress for the event will be casual. Please try to arrive by 9:30 a.m. as there is limited parking, and it will take approximately 30 minutes to be seated once you are at the facility.

If you would like to leave a condolence for the family, or post a note of reflection on TJ’s life, please visit TJ’s online memorial at http://www.baileykentfuneralhome.com


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