Obituary: Carl Donald “Don” Johnson

Carl Donald “Don” Johnson passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Etna, California on February 21, 2025. He was born on December 2, 1932, in Chico, California, to Carl and Marie Johnson.

Don grew up in Etna, where he spent his youth enjoying the outdoors. As a teen, he loved hunting and fast cars. He was an accomplished athlete and musician, as the doubles tennis champion in high school. He played the clarinet in band for four years and boxed during his senior year.

He attended Chico State College, graduating in 1958 with a degree in business. An adventurous spirit, Don claimed to have held a land speed record with his ’39 Ford. Photos of him drag racing remain a testament to his love of driving fast and sports cars. He had a lifelong penchant for exotic vehicles.

Don helped establish the ski patrol at the Mt. Shasta Ski Bowl, moving his family to Mt. Shasta every ski season in the early years. He participated in shooting competitions and had a passion for antique firearms.

In 1955, he married Sally Ann Canfield of Chico, California, and together they had four children: Tanny, Glen, Laurie, and Jan. They were married in Salzburg, Austria, while he was serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and were married for 12 years.

In 1969, Don married Ruth Mary Phillips. Together, they had one son, Lee. As a couple, Don and Ruth enjoyed RVing, traveling, gardening, and caring for their border collies—Dolly, Callie, and Willow.

For 23 years, Don worked alongside his father at Carl Johnson and Son Logging in the Scott Valley area. He later purchased the business and successfully ran it until 1981, when the spotted owl put local loggers out of business.

A man of many interests, Don was a life member of the NRA, founder of the Scott Valley Investors group, and an avid bird watcher – but not the spotted owl!

Don is survived by his five children: Tanny, Glen (Stacy), Laurie (Frank), Jan (Shawn), and Lee (Janet); six grandchildren: Sam (Taylor), Joe (Alex), Luke, Taryn, Logan, and Nicole (Eric); and six great-grandchildren: Dean, Sophia, Benjamin, Boone, Sadie, and Paul.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Marie Johnson, his beloved wife of 55 years, Ruth, his brother Jerry Johnson of Etna, and his granddaughter Grace Ann Marie.

Don will most be remembered for providing a livelihood for numerous families in this community and his spirit of adventure.

Graveside services will take place on April 5 at 11:00 a.m., Fort Jones Cemetery, followed by a reception at Sacred Heart Parish Hall, Fort Jones.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the NRA, the Wounded Warrior Project, or Madrone Hospice, Yreka.

---