Kevin Pope Johnson's Obituary
A CELEBRATION OF KEVIN'S LIFE WILL BE HELD IN MINNESOTA ON TUESDAY, MAY 9. See location and time details below.
Kevin Johnson, 39, of Denver, CO, passed away unexpectedly on April 6th, 2023 after a long and hard-fought battle with Substance Use Disorder (addiction). He was born on July 2nd, 1983 in Minneapolis, MN with an energetic spirit that was ready for this world. He grew up and lived most of his adult life in Minnesota. He moved to Colorado four years ago and built a beautiful family and a new place to call home.
He will be greatly missed by those who survive him: his devoted wife, Julie Johnson; his two beautiful children, Rose (4) and Gabriel (2) Johnson; his loving parents, James and Maureen Johnson; his brother, Dave Johnson (Kelli); his sister, Katherine Carlson (Darrin), and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and friends.
Kevin was a dedicated husband and father and made it his life goal to bring joy and laughter to his children's lives every single day. From Friday forts, to snuggles and cuddles at bedtime, and dance parties every day in the kitchen, his smile will live on in our minds and hearts, forever. Kevin was the fun parent who wrestled, chased, and just giggled with the kids. He always had a new game or experience for them, with a lesson involved somewhere in the middle. He was adamant that his children would grow up feeling the love and support that every child deserves to feel and he succeeded. Being a father was Kevin's favorite part about life.
Kevin was an avid sportsman who completed 3 Ironman triathlons, multiple marathons, and many other races. He loved to snowboard, rock climb, hike, play and coach soccer, and listen to all types of music. He loved a challenge and was always going out of his comfort zone to grow in both his personal life and career. With a Marketing degree and a driven and creative mind, he could sell anything. He had just started a new job last July in an insurance business development role where he was able to use these incredible sales skills.
Kevin had a zest for life that was one of a kind and every person that was able to interact with him felt his impact. He loved adventure, making people smile, and deeply adored his family. Kevin was intelligent, driven, and deeply inspiring to so many in the vast community that he built while he was here on Earth. He could make anybody smile with his playful spirit and he went out of his way to show kindness to others each day. He was also a resilient fighter, and fought every moment to be here to support his family. He placed his faith in Jesus just under two years ago and that faith is why Kevin is resting in heaven right now, looking down at the incredible life that he built, with a sense of peace like no other and with no more burdens to carry.
Kevin was happy and living his best life when this disease took him by surprise. Addiction doesn't discriminate. It will take hold and destroy anyone in its path including the families and people who love them. Addiction hides in the faces of everyday people all around us. Kevin is not just another statistic or just "another one gone too soon". He had a great heart and a bright future. He was a gift that the world lost and can never be replaced. For those that read this or knew Kevin, the best way to honor him is to become educated about this disease, to ask how you can help, and to think twice before judging those who struggle with it. If you are one who does struggle with this disease, please do not ever give up hope; Kevin never did. Ask for help, and fight like Kevin always did. He would want you to.
Services will be held at Storyline Church in Arvada, CO on Monday, April 17th. There will be a visitation starting at 10:00 AM, followed by the memorial service at 11:00 AM. There will also be a light luncheon after the service.
Additional visitation and celebration of life will be held at the Plymouth Community Center in Plymouth, Minnesota on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 10:00 am to honor Kevin as well. There will also be a light luncheon after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family, or contributions can be made to Thrive Family Recovery Resources (https://thrivefamilyrecoveryresources.org).
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