Obituary of Harland Johnson

Harland Johnson, who was born at home in Torrance California, passed away peacefully Feb. 3, 2015 of natural causes. He attended UCLA as a naval ROTC officer (2/1943 to 6/1946) where he majored in business, edited the school newspaper and was an active member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He served during the Korean Conflict (9/1951 to 4/1954) then attended Stanford business school earning his MBA. In 1960 Harland moved to Santa Cruz to become the business manager of the Santa Cruz Medical Clinic where he developed local health care for more than 20 years. He felt this was the best career decision he ever made. His most proud accomplishment was the development of the Santa Cruz Medical Clinic building on Soquel Avenue, completed in 1980, now known as the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. For his next challenge he became a stock broker at Dean Witter Reynolds earning his designation as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ . He retired after helping people for at least 12 years. Serving the community was very important to Harland. He was active more than 35 years with the Boys & Girls Club serving in various board positions including president. He enjoyed serving as church treasurer at High Street Community Church and with New Life Community Services. He especially enjoyed serving as president at Santa Cruz Rotary Club (1995-96). In his neighborhood Harland walked his large poodle Chief every day, greeting friends and helping his neighbors.. Every Friday morning he fellowshiped with close friends in his men's breakfast prayer group. Harland's out look on life was "Enjoy it, it is beautiful. The Lord governs and gives back." His religious beliefs were important to him, saying "Jesus Christ is my saviour and he forgives my sins." Among those who influenced him most, he said, were his children and those who guided him in the Lord. Harland was preceded in death by his former wife, Betty Ruth Johnson; his son Harland Lee Johnson, daughter-in-law Anna Johnson, and three grandchildren Ryan, Timothy and Annette Johnson; step grandson Joey Spence, his brother Donald Johnson, and step daughter Kathleen Spence Kunis. Harland is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Therese Johnson; daughters Jan Johnson (Karl Hasel), Julie DePaul (Greg DePaul), and Jill Vago (Alex Vago); and 7 grandchildren: Thomas Vago, Ben Horn, Andrew Vago, Nicola DePaul, Nathan Horn, Stefan DePaul and Rachel Vago; step children Jim Spence (Becky Spence), Jan Reeves, Laura Pavlovich (Mike Pavlovich), Mark Spence (Katy Allaback), and 10 grandchildren: Tommy Spence, Roger Spence, Aften Locken, John Locken, Ashley Armour, Matthew Pavlovich, Reese Locken, Andrew Pavlovich, Mason Reeves, Patrick Spence.