Randall (Randy) Steven Johnson, son of Russell Edward Johnson and Carol Anne Scott Giffin, passed away Friday, January 8, 2021, in Orem, Utah. Randy was born on July 18, 1959, at St. Vincent's Hospital in Los Angeles, California. He was the oldest of five children. Randy spent the majority of his youth raised in the San Gabriel Valley and the Pasadena area. Randy attended and somehow graduated from South Pasadena High School in 1977. As a youth, Randy was involved in a variety of activities, including youth sports, but mostly shenanigans. He was an avid scouter, where he was part of and served in Troop 360, the National Top Troop at the time for all troops sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Randy loved shopping and had a desire for the nicer things in life. He spent much of his youth at the beach, where he grew a love for volleyball and body surfing. But, of course, we can't forget his greatest pastime, a lady's man.
At the age of 19, Randy was called to serve in the Madrid Spain Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He began in Spain, where he strengthened his testimony of the gospel and gained an affection for those he taught. However, his mission and experiences did not come without trial and, shall we say, opportunities to grow. About six months into his service, he required surgery for an existing knee condition (Osgood-Schlatter Disease). He tried to endure and remain optimistic during his recovery in the mission field, but eventually had to return home for a short period of time. Randy did not give in and eventually returned to honorably serve the remainder of his mission in the Kansas City, Missouri, Spanish Speaking Mission.
Randy enlisted in the US Army to further his education, utilizing the GI Bill. While stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, he met Julie Backstein of Tacoma, Washington, whom he married on February 14, 1986. They later were divorced.
After attending Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, Randy, then continued his education at Brigham Young University, Provo, where he earned his bachelor of science in Psychology and participated in the ROTC program. He graduated in December of 1989.
Randy and Julie had two children during this time in Provo, Randall Cort and Jordan, whom he loved dearly.
On December 30, 1989, Randy was involved in a serious car accident in Flagstaff, Arizona, while en route to Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he was to report as a tank commander in the US Army. As a result of this accident, Randy sustained a serious brain injury and was left with lifelong challenges and limitations.
Randy spent the first five years following his accident mostly in rehabilitative facilities in Washington and California. In March of 1994, Randy moved in with his mother, Carol, in Southern California, with whom he resided and was cared for the remaining 26 years of his life. Those who knew Randy knew he had a special bond with his mother; they were inseparable. It could be said that Carol was assigned his guardian but some would say that he was hers.
Despite his difficult circumstances and the difficult hand, Randy had been dealt, he maintained his zest for life and continued to bring joy to everyone he met. He was always the life of the party, the center of attention. He had a smile that brought cheer and love to all who had the privilege to see it. He had a keen sense of humor. He was a conversationalist and loved a good discussion.
Randy is preceded in death by his grandmother Viola Gwendolyn Scott, his grandfather Rulon Stephen Scott II, his uncle Rulon Stephen Scott III, his aunts Joan Lynda Roberts and Donna Valerie Lawyer, and his former father-in-law, Robert Backstein.
Randy is survived by his son Randall Cort Johnson (Chandler) and his daughter Jordan Johnson Crane (Jordan). He delighted in his seven grandchildren—Finn, Nora, Max, Violet, Miley, Owen, and Ladd. Randy is also survived by his mother Carol Giffin, his stepfather Dale Giffin, and siblings, Lynda Burch (Brad), Beverly Hakola, (to be named), Craig Giffin (Jan), and Kevin Giffin (Brooke).
Randy was an example of a life well-lived. He possessed an unwavering testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Randy will always remain a testament to happiness, faith, and endurance. His memory will forever be in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him and serve him. Hooah!
