Paul Johnson Obituary

Johnson
Paul Johnson
May 3, 1946
August 7, 2024

Paul Martin Johnson passed away peacefully on the evening of August 7, with his beloved family by his side, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's, Lewy Body Dementia, and Pneumonia. He was 78.

Paul's life was deeply rooted in love and service. He leaves behind his cherished wife, Penelope ("Penny") Johnson, with whom he shared a lifetime of memories, his daughter Melissa and her husband Tim Spence, his son Matthew and his wife Dana, and three adoring grandchildren, Lucas, Landon, and Charlotte, who were the light of his later years.

Born in Flint, Michigan, in 1946, Paul's family relocated to California in 1964, where he graduated from Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek. He earned his Bachelor's degree from California State University, Hayward, followed by a Master's from St. Mary's College in Moraga. Paul was also a proud graduate of Leadership Pikes Peak and the SCLI.

From 1969 to 1972, Paul served in the U.S. Army at Fort Sam Houston Hospital in Texas. His compassion and dedication to others carried into his professional life, where he spent 25 years at Peralta Hospital in Oakland, working in Radiation Oncology and Hospital Administration.

In 1996, Paul and Penny moved to Colorado Springs, where he became the Executive Director of Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity. Under his leadership, over 105 homes were built, offering countless families a place to call their own. Paul also pioneered the Pikes Peak ReStore, a concept that repurposed gently used construction tools and equipment, turning them into opportunities for others.

Paul's commitment to his community extended beyond his work with Habitat for Humanity. He served on the Board of Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs and dedicated several terms to the Colorado Springs Planning Commission, shaping the future of the city he loved.

After retiring in 2014, Paul and Penny relocated to San Diego to be closer to family. Even in retirement, Paul's dedication to others never waned. He served on the Board of the Parkinson's Association of San Diego, continuing to advocate for those facing the challenges of the disease that he knew all too well.

Paul's life will be celebrated in Colorado Springs on September 19, 11 am. At Chapel of Our Saviour CS. Lite lunch reception. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in his memory to Aligned Hospice in San Diego or Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity in Colorado Springs, two organizations that reflect his lifelong dedication to service and compassion.

"The memory of those we love stays in our hearts forever"