Bob Johnson Obituary

Bob Johnson peacefully passed away from cancer on September 18th, 2023 in Durango, Colorado. Born November 10th, 1945 in Guthrie, OK to Mary Margaret and William Earl Johnson, the family returned to their Mancos, CO home when Bob was weeks old. In high school he played basketball and football, won a football scholarship to Adams State, and attended Oklahoma State and Arizona State.

Bob was a horseman, cattleman, entrepreneur, and heavy machinery operator. Recruited from college to manage a Firestone Tire Shop in Phoenix, he then bought and operated the general store in Camp Verde, AZ. He then moved home where he ranched, built his house and Lake Durango, started Johnson Construction and Lake Durango Water Company, developed a gravel pit, and acquired Yellow Jacket Ranch in canyon country.

He loved hunting, horse pack trips for weeks in the high country, and riding the canyons of SW Colorado checking cattle. He and his team, The Amigos, won Polocrosse National Championships 3 years in a row, and in 1994 he won Umpire of the Year. He enjoyed hosting Poker Rides, 4th of July and New Year's Eve parties.

He is survived by his children: Valeri Limes, Amber Johnson, Jennifer Johnson, Jamie Johnson, and Michael Johnson, 6 grandchildren, brother Pete Johnson, and numerous people who loved him. The full obituary can be found at wfhdurango.com.

His Celebration of Life will be held November 11th at 3 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Durango. In lieu of flowers please share pictures or a memory you have of Bob either at the celebration or in a letter sent to 707 Lake Durango Dr. Durango, CO 81303.