Brian Lewis Johnson was born February 10, 1960, in Shenandoah,Iowa.On November 11, 2021, his effervescent energy returned to the place from which we all were borne. As Carl Sagan wrote: "We are made of star stuff."

The youngest of Bob and Elaine Johnson's four children, Brian attended school in Shenandoah, Iowa, graduating in 1978, then attending the University of Northern Iowa for two years. Brian was a lifelong learner and continually sought to increase his understanding of the world through experiences, reading, music, travel and connecting with people and nature. In 1982, Brian moved to southern California, joining relatives there. He then spent the next 25 years in San Francisco, Guerneville, Forestville and Sebastopol before returning to Shenandoah in 2007.

Brian grew up working in the family business, Johnson Tire Co. where he learned from his parents the importance of integrity and relationships. His move to San Francisco led him to his lifelong career in financial planning and investments, beginning as a courier then working up the ladder at Charles Schwab. With his moves, he joined local banks as an investment advisor in Sebastopol /Santa Rosa and Shenandoah/Clarinda. He was currently working from home with Old Town Wealth Advisors, Fort Collins, CO. For a few years while in northern California, Brian was a partner in Stumptown Brewery in Guerneville and worked at Vinovation in Sebastopol.

Brian loved cars and motorcycles throughout his life. He was a founding member of the British Death Fleet Motorcycle Club, a group started in 1983 in San Francisco by a group of British Motorcycle Enthusiasts. Many of the original members were transplants from Iowa. Brian completed the "Iron Butt" challenge, riding 1000 miles in 24 hours raising funds for Rotary. He also completed the Bun Burner 1500 and Saddle Sore1000. He was a member of the Twin Rivers Vintage Motorcycle Club. Brian's dad took him to his first Indy 500, and they attended several times.

Brian was married to Leslie Decker (1986-1988). In 2002, Brian married Stephanie Wilson (2002-2011), and in 2003, Brian and Stephanie were blessed with their son, Andrew Robert. He introduced Andrew to the beautiful Russian River area of northern California, and they frequently spent time together outdoors enjoying Sonoma County and the Pacific Ocean.

Of all of the roles Brian played throughout his life, the one he cherished most was dad, and adventures with Andrew brought him immense joy. Hiking, biking, motorcycle riding, soccer, baseball and Boy Scouts, they enjoyed life together. Brian coached Andrew's Little League Soccer team, attended every junior high football and basketball game and never missed a high school track or cross country meet, baseball game or activity. We all enjoyed the proud pictures he posted on Facebook. Their excursions included annual trips to the College World Series on Father's Day, spring training games in Arizona, trips to Baja, Mexico, skiing and hiking in Colorado, concerts, car and motorcycle races. Brian was Troop 218 assistant scout leader and was tremendously proud when Andrew earned the highest achievement in Boy Scouts of America, Eagle Scout rank. Andrew carries Brian's light inside of him.

On April 13, 2021, Brian began his weekly email updates to friends and family: "Hello, if you're on this list I love you and want you to be informed. The short story is that about 3 weeks ago I noticed a knot on the side of my neck which after three days became more of a lump . It's ok...I'll not pull any punches with you. Straight with no chaser just like my coffee...  I'm in this for the full ride and without judgment good or bad that this is my experience...We'll take this experience as it is, for what it is." On November 11, 2021, following a courageous battle that included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, Brian passed peacefully in his home per his wishes.

Brian was loved by many and collected countless lifelong friends throughout the many phases and seasons of his life. His friendships spanned states and countries, and everyone who knew him will remember his radiant smile and joyful laugh. We will miss his random bits of knowledge and ability to always see the good in people and situations.

Brian was preceded in death by his father, Robert H. D. Johnson, mother A. Elaine Johnson, nephew Phillip David Fife, brother-in-law David E. Fife and grandparents Lewis and Elsie Howard (Yucaipa, CA) and Edward and Althea Johnson (Red Oak, IA).

Brian is survived by son, Andrew Robert (Shenandoah, IA), sisters Bobette Fife (Corning, IA) and Connie (Charlie) Richardson (Clarinda, IA) and brother Bruce (Shenandoah, IA), nephews Matt Richardson (Lisa and son Silas - Los Angeles, CA), Brett Johnson (Katie and son Brycen - Cleburne, TX), Spencer Johnson (Scottsdale, AZ) and nieces Emilee Richardson (Des Moines, IA), Suzanne (Andy) Olson (Brooks, IA) and Erika (Derek) Miller (Franklin, TN). Brian had numerous amazing close friends and family that he loved and wished " One Love. "