Stephen Paul Johnson, 76, passed away on April 24, 2026.

Stephen spent most of his life in Salt Lake City, where he built lasting roots, lifelong friendships, and countless memories. In his later years, he retired to Mesquite, Nevada, where he continued to enjoy a quieter pace of life while staying close to the people and pastimes he loved.

Stephen lived a full and hardworking life, defined by his dedication to his family and the simple joys that brought him happiness. He spent many years working as a bus driver, a role that reflected his steady nature, strong work ethic, and commitment to serving others.

Above all, Stephen loved his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, June Whitehead; his children and loved ones Chad and Veronica Johnson, Justin and Karen Vaughn, Jeremy and Nicole Vaughn, Ryan and Rachelle Rentler; and his nine cherished grandchildren, who brought him endless pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by Irene Draper Bergen, Randall Athos Johnson, Suzanne Wolf, Mike Johnson, David Johnson, Jeff Bergen, and Larry Bergen.

Stephen also leaves behind many longtime friends who loved him dearly, a testament to the kind of person he was—loyal, genuine, and easy to be around.

He found great happiness in life’s everyday pleasures. He loved being outdoors—camping, fishing, and especially golfing whenever he had the chance. A devoted sports fan, he cheered faithfully for his favorite teams, the Chicago Bears, the New York Yankees, and the Utah Utes, and rarely missed an opportunity to watch a game.

He will be remembered for his storytelling, always ready with a tale from his life that could make you laugh, think, or simply feel connected. He also had a playful sense of humor that his family will never forget, often jokingly telling his kids and grandkids, “I’ll give you a knuckle sandwich,” a phrase that became one of his signature expressions of love. His warmth and humor were perhaps best shown in his tradition of giving his grandchildren underwear for Christmas—a gesture that became a cherished and lighthearted family memory.

Stephen’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and devotion. He worked hard, loved deeply, and found his greatest joy in the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Salt Lake City.