On Thursday, July 30, 2026, Stanley Eugene Johnson peacefully passed away, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 77 years old. While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life filled with faith, laughter, and an unwavering love for his family.

Stanley was known by many names throughout his life — Stan the Man, Tanley, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Son, Papa, and Pops. But perhaps the titles he treasured most were those of husband, father, and grandfather.

Stanley was born on January 28, 1949, in Portland, Oregon, to Eugene and Miona Johnson. Stanley was the third of 7 children.

As a young boy, his family lived in several communities throughout Oregon before eventually moving to Humboldt County and building their home in the Metropolitan area. It was there that he formed many lifelong friendships.

As a young boy, Dad spent many summers with his extended family in Oregon, where he picked strawberries in the fields to earn spending money. Those summers held a special place in his heart. He often looked back on those carefree days spent with his cousins with a smile, and the stories from those summers remained some of his favorites.

Stanley graduated from Fortuna Union High School in 1967, where he was voted Class Clown — a title that perfectly reflected his quick wit, infectious sense of humor, and ability to make people laugh. Following graduation, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tennessee and Kentucky. The experience left a lasting impression on him and laid the foundation for the faith that would guide him throughout his life.

After returning home from his mission, Stanley attended College of the Redwoods, where he met the love of his life, Rita Rovai. Dad loved telling the story of seeing mom in their Marriage and Family course and knowing right then and there that he was going to spend the rest of his life with her. They were married on September 26, 1970, and together built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and love. They were blessed with three daughters, Angela Sara, Amy Kristin, and Kelsey Sommer.

For a time, Stanley and Rita lived in Long Beach where he served in the Navy Reserve before moving to Portland, Oregon, where Stanley worked for Safeway and Howard Cooper. They eventually returned to Humboldt County to be closer to family, where Stanley began his career with Pacific Lumber (PALCO).

In the early 1980s, long before personal computers became part of everyday life, Dad saw their potential. Our family was one of the first in Scotia to have a home computer and he eagerly immersed himself in learning everything he could. He built computers, taught himself programming and connected with other computer enthusiasts in neighboring towns years before the internet became part of everyday life. His passion and vision eventually opened the door to a new career path at Palco, leading him from the monorail to timekeeping and eventually into the IT department, retiring in 2010.

Stanley often spoke with pride about his service in the US Navy Reserve as a cook and his love of cooking became one of the many ways he cared for his family. He was known for his homemade soups and fresh baked bread, always happiest when he had something to share with those he loved. Years before social media influencers, Dad was sharing his bread making tips on YouTube. If you search, you just might still find one of those videos. A lasting reminder of the joy he found in teaching others and sharing what he loved.

Throughout his life, he was dedicated to serving others. He worked with the youth through his church, served on the Scotia Union School District Board, and was a karate instructor who earned the rank of brown belt.

Retirement suited Stan well. He found joy in the simple thing; watching his grandchildren play sports, photography, making homemade bread and soup for his family, playing pickleball and bocce ball, and, of course, spending time with his favorite “son”, Levi. If you know, you know.

Even as his health declined, Dad’s humor, gentle spirit, and mischievous twinkle in his eye continued to lift the hearts of those around him. Dad’s final year was a testament to his strength and unwavering faith. The love and support of family and friends carried him through his most difficult days, and for that we are forever grateful. Our family extends our heartfelt thanks to everyone who visited, prayed, called, and stood beside us during this journey. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Stanley is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 56 years, Rita Johnson; his daughters, Angela (Doug Bragg) Johnson-DeMatos and her children, Lourenco and Santa DeMatos; Amy (Ven) Letter and their children, Madisyn, Kobe, and Matthew Letter; and Kelsey (David) Moesta and her son, Kees van Dissel. He is also survived by his brothers, Jack (Patsy) Johnson, and Bill Johnson; his sisters, Diane (Dennis) Betts, Ronda (Chris) Raven, and Wendy (Steve) Backlund; Brother-in-law, Kim Miller; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Miona Johnson; his sister, Wilma Johnson; his parents-in-law, Louis and Mary Rovai; his sisters-in-law, Linda Rovai, Paula Rovai Miller, and Vickie Johnson; and his brother-in-law, Louis Rovai Jr.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, August 8, at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1444 Ross Hill Road, Fortuna, California. A private graveside service will follow later.

Dad’s legacy lives on in the laughter he shared, the faith he lived, the family he adored, and the countless lives he touched. More than anything, Dad will be remembered for the way he made people feel. Whether it was through a joke, a warm loaf of homemade bread, words of encouragement, or simply the twinkle in his eye. He will be deeply missed and forever loved. 

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