Ralph Edward Johnson passed away March 28, 2025, due to complications from open heart surgery. He passed peacefully, surrounded by both his children and his brother Robert and sister-in-law Mary.

Dad was born on October 1, 1950, in Laurel Mississippi to Leroy and Neva (Jones) Johnson. His father worked as a sharecropper. It was hard work and the whole family worked on the farm as well. Their family moved to California in 1960 and settled in Fortuna. Our Dad was an exceptionally good student and athlete. He played baseball and football all through his youth, up to playing some college football at Humboldt State. Baseball was his true love, though.

In 1972, Dad married Karen Chamberlain and so began their life together. They were married almost 50 years before Mom passed away from cancer just three months before their anniversary. Unable to have children, they adopted both Kay in 1974 and Jacob in 1975. Our Dad was patient and always willing to support Jacob and I in whatever endeavors we chose to pursue, from my showing horses and Jacob playing baseball and high school rodeo.

Baseball was such a huge part of Dad’s life. He loved to play and coach. Dad was President of the Fortuna Little League Association for many years. He and Mom put in so many hours into that program, and they created a great program from fundraising to get the outdoor lights installed and to getting the girls softball program up and running.

Dad worked in the woods running Cat for many years and worked for a few different logging outfits. After dealing with back issues, it was impossible for him to continue running heavy equipment, so he went back to his family’s roots and started ranching. Operating as JKR Ranch, it is a family business running out of Garberville on the Kinsey Ranch. Dad loved getting back to this life and creating something from nothing. He and Mom created a beautiful place to entertain family and friends. Mom loved her yard and Dad loved showing off his vegetable garden. The man could grow a garden!

Dad loved his grand- and great-grandchildren. He wanted them to hang out at the ranch as much as possible. We had some great times at the ranch, especially Christmas time. Our folks made these gatherings fun.

Ralph is preceded in death by his beautiful wife Karen, his parents, Leroy and Neva, his sister Betty Coyle and sister Connie Doris. Also, his in-laws Jack and Jeanne Chamberlain and his nephew Darren Carter. Ralph is survived by his daughter Kay Challoner and his son, Jacob (Tara) Johnson, his grandchildren; Melissa (Rusty) Calkins, Sage, Savanah and Sydney Johnson, great grandchildren Julia and Gavin Calkins. Brother Robert (Mary) Johnson and many nieces and nephews. Brothers-in-law Brad (Nancy) Chamberlain, Rod (Deb) Chamberlain and Jay Chamberlain.

Dad was a member of the California Cattlemen’s Association. He worked at the Humboldt Auction Yard for many years helping on the Wednesday auction days. He was supportive of his nieces and nephews who raised animals through FFA & 4H Club. He loved to see the youth in Humboldt County continue the fair tradition.

Dad was a man of deep faith and loved his Lord Jesus Christ. His passing is easier knowing that he is pain free and with our mom again. Our family will be celebrating his life with a private family gathering and BBQ this summer.

Our family would like to thank the following: Cal Fire Garberville Station, thank you for getting to our Dad as quickly as you did. The volunteer firemen who went with the Cal Fire trucks and City Ambulance. How the ambulance made it on the back road to the ranch was unbelievable. The ER staff at Garberville Gerald Phelps hospital. Providence Queen of the Valley hospital in Napa. ICU nurses and doctors were so amazing to take time and speak with all of us, and how you took care of Dad, thank you so much. UC Davis Medical Center, ICU staff, unbelievable staff. We received phone calls multiple times a day to let us know what was happening. They took time out of their busy day to call, we were so thankful. Finally, UC Davis Hospice was amazing. Hospice Nurse, Brad was there the whole time Dad was transitioning from removal of life support to his last breath, thank you for being there with us.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Ralph Johnson’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.