Rick Johnson, originally of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by the memories of a life filled with many interests, passions, and adventures. After graduating high school, Rick served a term in the US Army, then attended Warner Southern College where he graduated with a degree in education. He worked as an educator for 13 years, then moved into realty and sales. Rick had a natural talent for whatever hobby captured his attention. He was the kind of person who didn’t simply take up an interest, he immersed himself in it and wanted to master it. Over the years, his passions included dog showing, horse racing, reptile and exotic animal breeding, pigeon racing, home improvement, leather working, scuba diving, painting, gaming, hunting, and fishing. He especially loved attending the Alafia River Rendezvous. Each pursuit reflected his curiosity, determination, and ability to develop a remarkable skill for the things he enjoyed. Rick is survived by his children, Amber (Jarrod) and Ted (Shirley), and his grandchildren, Spate, Nolan, Wyatt, Liberty, and Titus. He is also survived by his siblings Belinda, Teresa, and Kirk (Diane); his nieces and nephew, Holly, Adam (Barbara), Brittany (Alex), Ciera (Ted), and Kelsey (Grant); aunts Ahnie and Pat, uncle Charlie (Linda), and his loyal companion and beloved dog, Buckwheat, who held a special place in his heart. Rick was a firecracker and a jokester with a life full of stories, interests, talents, and adventures. He could be stubborn, passionate, curious, creative, and completely absorbed in whatever he was doing. Those who knew him will each have their own memories of him, and those memories are what will keep him close.

 He will be missed, remembered, and loved.