Robert Lee Johnson

February 18, 1922 – April 7, 2023 (age 101)

Robert Lee Johnson peacefully died at Autumn Care in Hyde Park, Utah on April 7, 2023, after living for 101 full years.

He was a remarkable man who had good health, enjoyed each day, loved his family, shared laughter, was a life-long learner and a voracious reader with an unquenchable curiosity about the world. He went to China with his daughter Jennifer when he was 92 and traveled to India with his daughter Betsy when he was 95. His first international trip was to Italy (1944—1945) where he served in the Army Air Corps as a Buck Sergeant during World War II. He never lost his deep commitment and love for his country.

After returning from the war, he married Patricia Jane Isgreen in 1946, attended the University of Utah and graduated in Political Science in 1948. They lived in Salt Lake City, Utah where they had three children: Alice Kristina, Thomas Lee and Elizabeth Jane.

Bob worked for Kennecott Copper where he was an active union member, participating in contract negotiations and job evaluations. In 1955, Kennecott transferred him to Silver City, New Mexico where he eventually became Safety Director and later Head of Security and Environmental Protection for Chino Mines. Two more children were born in Silver City: Mary Louise and Jennifer Marie. With the loving welcome of many wonderful people in New Mexico and the Gila Valley, he accepted and for the rest of his life faithfully held many positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In the 1960’s he was appointed by the NM governor to serve for several years on the NM Board of Educational Finance. He enjoyed the trips to Santa Fe and other locations in New Mexico and meeting new people. In 1984 he retired from Kennecott. After retirement he served as an ombudsman at Ft. Bayard Hospital, as well as performing volunteer work with other charitable organizations. He developed and valued long-lasting friendships.

In the 1970s he and Patty personally built a cabin in Alpine, Arizona. The cabin became a place of beauty for Bob and Patty and the place to gather family. Together they loved walking in the mountains and meadows in the early mornings with their dogs. They also traveled extensively to such places as South America, Korea, Scandinavia, Canada and numerous spots in the USA. He loved being outdoors, especially fishing, skiing or growing flowers to share with others.

His beloved Patty predeceased him in 2012.

He leaves behind his five children: Kristina (Greg) Moody of Albuquerque, Tom (Joan) Johnson of Smithfield, Utah, Betsy (Gerry) Mullen of Silver City, New Mexico, Mary Louise (Doug) LeCheminant of Leander, Texas, and Jennifer (Barry) Hubbard of Sandy, Utah. He was grandfather to 17 and great-grandfather to 33. His influence will live on!

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 17 at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3755 Swan Street, Silver City, NM. Visitation will be at 10:00 am.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.com.

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