Reed P. Johnson, 58, of Helena died unexpectedly of cardiac arrest on Tuesday, December 21. He leaves behind family who loved him deeply and grieves his loss.
Reed was born in Helena on September 23, 1954, to parents Mary Helen and Lee M. Johnson. He attended grade school in Billings and graduated from Helena High School in 1972. He briefly attended Eastern Montana College and the University of Montana after graduation.
Reed had several passions throughout his life; while in high school, he loved reading any fiction work of Tolkien, and participated in gymnastics with an enthusiasm that gave him life-long shoulder problems. He worked out with weights all of his adult life, and shared his expertise with any willing fitness devotee. Reed loved music and old movies. He always delighted in finding a good movie or CD at second hand stores! He owned several different guitars, including a 12 string, and had an amazing ability to hear any piece of music and play it perfectly by ear.
Those who knew him appreciated Reed’s sense of humor; he knew instinctively where people’s “buttons” were and found many creative ways to push them. Reed had a hunger for a deeper spiritual walk and pursued Bible reading and study with intensity. He was an honest, direct person who had no time for superficiality. He was fiercely loyal to those he cared about, and consistently stood up for the underdog. There was no pretension in Reed’s nature; he was genuine in who he was.
Reed was preceded in death by his father, Lee, and is survived by his mother, M. Helen Johnson, sister Blake (Jim) Forseth of Billings, brother L. Stuart (Debbe) Johnson of Houston, Texas, 5 nieces and nephews and 11 grandnieces and nephews. Reed is also survived by his loving ex-wife, Lyn Johnson.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service is planned for 2:00 PM Saturday, December 29th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke funeral home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. Anyone wishing to share memories of Reed is welcome to share at the service.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday December 29, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday December 29, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Timothy McKeever says
I am deeply saddened to hear that Reed has left this life. It seems like so long ago that he and I used to hang out together during high school. I always new Reed to have a great sense of humor and a greater sense of good towards those who were not in the “in crowd”. He was a champion to many who were picked on and there were few who would tangle with him when he stepped in to intervene when someone was being bullied.
I remember how amazed I was when he picked up his guitar and played “Classical Gas” flawlessly. As the years passed, we drifted our separate ways, but I always thought of him through the years with great fondness. I will miss him very much. May he find the peace he so desperately sought in the bosom of eternity. He will rise to greatness in the service of our Master. God Bless all of you in his family that are in mourning at the untimely departure of this good man.
Larry Larson says
I got to know Reed through my brother David, when we all went to Eastern Montana College together. Reed and David were both on the EMC gymnastics team and looked remarkably alike. In fact a lot of people who knew both of them would refer to them as the twins! A funny thing I just noticed, Reed was born on Sept. 23, 1954, David was born Sept. 22,1954. I can’t count the number of times someone would start telling me a story about David, but it was actually Reed that they would be talking about, or vice versa. They were good friends with similar interests such as weight lifting. I remember them lifting weights religiously down in my parents basement. I also remember getting together on many weekends at Friday’s in Billings with Reed and a large group of our friends from school. We had a lot of good times.
Reed was a genuine person, who was hard not to like. He was very intelligent, loyal,compassionate , and extremely generous. I remember Reed as a very talented guitar player who could play just about anything you wanted to hear. He was one of the most quick witted and humorous people I have ever known. He loved to give his friends nicknames. Mine was Mr. Maintain , because he said I was the sane one of the group that kept things from getting too crazy !
After Reed left Billings, I kept track of him through my brother David who would talk to him quite regularly on the phone. I had a chance to talk to Reed a few times this year in September, when I was considering a job opportunity I was offered in Helena. It was great to talk to him again. In typical Reed fashion, he offered me any help he could possibly assist with if I moved there. I ended up not taking the job, but we planned to keep in touch. Saturday , my brother David told me Reed had passed away.
I am deeply saddened that Reed has left us all so early. Reed was a deeply religious person, and I am sure God has a special place for him in heaven. I am thankful I had the opportunity to call Reed Johnson my friend, and I will miss him. God bless you Reed.
David Larson says
I talked to Reed just a week before he passed away. So glad I got the opportuniity to speak with him. Reed was the best friend I ever had. We have been friends for forty years, and I have many, many fond memories of him. He was the kind of person I’ll never forget. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Reed, may God keep and bless you.
Art Armstrong says
Larry Larson’s thought’s and words are a tough act to fallow. I met Reed through Dave Larson,and became instant friends.Reed was a very likable guy. The kind of person you really enjoyed being around,and hanging out with.I remember many nights being out and about with him,Dave and Larry,in our younger years.Reed really cared about people and he was friendly to everybody he met. Reed would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it and would not ask or expect anything in return. He was hard not to like As Larry mentioned.
Reed loved playing the guitar and was very good at it. I learned a lot watching him play so effortlessly .He was a big help in getting me back in the gym and working out after taking a few years off after college.Reed and I were roommates for about a year and a half.After he left Billings I lost track really missed
seeing him. Learning of his passing left and empty spot in my heart and soul. I really wish I would have had the chance to see him again.Reed touched many peoples lives without him realizing it.I wish I would have had the chance to tell it to him to his face.rather then after the fact in a message and reflective thoughts like this. My prayers,thoughts and my condolences go out to all the members off family. may God be with you . Rest In Peace my long time friend.
Boomer Johnson says
Reed and I played in a band together back in 1972 -1973. Since we both played guitar we would share with each other cool songs we liked and how to play them – we worked hard at learning Grand Funk Railroad songs and Reed was really good at learning them quickly– I learned a lot from Him. I became a Born Again Christian and found out Reed was also, he was excited to share about his love for Jesus and now we could share Gospel music. He was always kind and concerned about others and how they were doing. After I joined the USAF I lost track of Reed but I always considered him my friend because with Reed once you were his friend you were always his friend. I know all who care, miss him now, but he would be the first to say ” Come Along And Join Us –There’s a light on for you –JESUS
Gayle says
I’d like to express my sincere sympathy over your great loss. The death of a loved one is one of the most devastating experience as humans we face,at times the loss may seem unbearable. God through his word the bible provides comfort and hope. The bible teaches at Act 24:15 that there is going to be a resurrection and we will be reunited with our loved ones. The resurrection will not be in an unknown heaven but here on earth under peaceful conditions. Revelation 21:3-4, Isaiah 33:24, Psalms 37:29
Respectully,
Gayle
Patty Engler Phillips says
I just learned of Reed’s passing (Jan. 2018), and it grieves my heart very much. We had lost touch through the years. Reed was one of the most special people in my life. I met him in highschool while we were both on the gymnastics team and we dated throughout highschool. I went to the junior prom with him and he and I shared a deep faith, going to The Assembly of God Church together. I would listen to him play guitar many many times..Gordon Lightfoot especially. He touched my soul deeply and I miss him. The only consolation is that I know he has a front row seat with the angels who are praising God. I love you my dear old friend…Patty Phillips