Stories: Who We Have Lost

Together, We Remember Steve

Who did you lose to Covid 19? Steve Johnson

Stories gathered from friends and family have a way of sustaining us in our remembrances. I collected some memories about my husband Steve. When read together, they paint a beautiful portrait of who he was and what we shall remember:

After Steve passed away from hospital-acquired Covid, I came across a video of him. He disliked me recording him, since he walked with a cane due to neuropathy from CRC. As Steve walked towards me he flashed “the one finger salute,” but followed it with bunches of blown kisses! – Cindy Johnson, wife

Steve and Cindy honored their wedding vows “until death do we part.” They accepted each other’s likes and dislikes. Unfortunately, Steve was taken too soon, which deeply saddens Cindy, Erica, all our family, and friends. Steve was a smart, kind, helpful man. We all miss him so much. -Priscilla Bruno, mother-in-law

Dad, an eagle scout, loved taking me into the wilderness. Once, he was demonstrating the “right” way to cross country ski and got stuck in the snow. He always made me laugh, especially with his statement, “walk this way,” and he’d do this funky dance that he expected me to follow. – Erica Johnson, daughter

Steve was a kind and compassionate man, always there for people who needed encouragement. Remembering Steve makes me smile. He was handsome with a smile that would bring people out of the depths of despair, an angel on earth. Hopefully my sons will emulate him. Rest in Peace Sweet Steve. – MaryJo Ganey, family friend

It’s a sunny day and Steve’s driving a pontoon boat on Percy Priest Lake. His shirt’s off, shades on, hair’s blowing, with one hand on the throttle and the other on the wheel. He was truly “living in the moment.” He straps on crutches to disembark with a big smile. – Karen Steward, family friend

Steve was a great friend to me and my wife, Jo. He was a computer and cell phone whiz, and helped us out many times with technical problems and questions. Always patient and smiling, Steve was a true light to be around and we miss him greatly. -Scott and Jo Wetzell, Family Friends

For a holiday getaway we were invited by the Johnsons to join them in Crystal River, FL, where we stayed in a unit on the water. Only Steve caught a fish from the dock, and it was a TROPHY!! – Art Maier, family friend

We were in Nashville. Our wives were on a girl’s day, leaving Steve and I on our own. Time for “CoronaRitas.” We decided to head to the local bar. When the wives joined us, despite his physical limitation, Steve led Cindy to the dance floor and swept her around. -Pete Bonner, brother-in-law

My favorite memory is a conversation I’d heard about Steve: I was eating in the cafeteria at the hospital and I overheard some ladies talking about this handsome man and how he had the most beautiful hair. They spoke of his wife but said if he wasn’t married, they would go after him. Then I heard something about cancer and I knew they were talking about Steve. I walked over and told them that I knew they were discussing my best friend. I was right. I will always remember his spirit, spreading love and light. – Elizabeth Weekes, family friend

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