Kendall Leroy Johnson

Kendall LeRoy Johnson, much loved husband, father and grandfather passed away unexpectedly on May 21, 2016 in Logan, Utah at the age of 83. Kendall was born during the height of the Great Depression on April 4, 1933, in Rock Springs, Wyoming to LeRoy and Ann Elizabeth Volcie Johnson. In 1943, Kendall’s parents obtained the Chevron Oil jobbership in Rawlins, Wyoming and moved the young family there, where he learned the virtues of discipline and hard work.

Kendall graduated from Rawlins Senior High School in 1951 and received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Wyoming in 1955, his Master’s Degree from University of Idaho in 1957, and his PhD from the Colorado State University in 1966.

While at the University of Wyoming, he met and fell in love with his better half, Amayda Sue Look Hoy, and they were married on August 24, 1958. Their marriage was blessed with three children, son Valner LeRoy Johnson, and daughters Tana Elaine Johnson and Kelly Ann Johnson.

Through the influence of his father, Kendall learned to love the outdoors and focused on Range Management during his career. He worked for Rocky Mountain Research Station in Laramie, Wyoming, Colorado State University, the University of Wyoming, Utah State University and the University of Idaho, all in Range Departments. His professional activities allowed him to study and promote the responsible use of rangelands on three continents. His book “Rangeland Resources of Utah” has become the standard reference used in the profession, and “Rangeland Through Time” is a classic publication documenting ecological change. Kendall was active in the Society for Range Management for over 60 years, serving as president of the Utah and Wyoming sections and the general president for two years. He received SRM’s highest honor, the Frederic G. Renner award, in February of this year.

Kendall was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He generously gave his time in many capacities. One of his favorite callings was Sunday School President, where he taught each of his children the joys of extemporaneous speaking when one of the assigned speakers did not show up. He and his wife served two missions in Martin’s Cove, where he could combine his love for the gospel with his love for the land and his pioneer heritage. Countless lives were influenced by his quiet and heartfelt testimony expressed within the confines of the Cove. They also served as temple ordinance workers in the Spokane Washington temple for over 8 years.

Kendall was an enthusiastic learner. He was interested in absolutely everything, and made every family vacation into an in depth study of the history, culture and workings of whatever was in sight. The family learned to bring a reading book or journal on any family jaunt, as museum outings were likely to last the entire day and roadside historical markers were always explored and contemplated. Kendall was an avid photographer, usually taking the photographs that were included in his publications. Kendall was an able and perfectionist handyman and woodworker. He found no task too daunting -- moving kitchens and stairwells in remodels, for instance -- and enjoyed building and refinishing cabinets and furniture. His Christmas light displays were legendary. Kendall loved music. He was blessed with a rich bass singing voice, and loved to sing in Barbershop quartets and choruses. Kendall was an adept and engaging speaker and teacher. He was an award winning Toastmaster and was the ‘go-to” man for off the cuff talks, speeches in all varieties, and family and funeral tributes. Kendall was a word smith, and utilized his love of the language in innumerable articles and publications, countless award nominations for professional colleagues, and the much beloved series “Letters from a Father to his Children”.

Kendall is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Elaine Ann Johnson Bergeson. He is survived by his wife, Amayda Hoy Johnson, children Valner L. Johnson, Tana Johnson (J.Lynn) Esplin, and Kelly Johnson (Brent) Hansen. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren -- granddaughters Audra Johnson, Alina Johnson Parker, Alyssa Johnson, Amayda L. Johnson, Juliette Johnson, Milinda Esplin Weeks, and Kailee Hansen, and grandsons James Esplin, Justin Esplin, Kendrick Esplin, Shane Esplin, Trent Esplin, Bryce Esplin, Jaiden Hansen and Bracken Hansen, as well as six great grandchildren.

We love you and miss you immensely.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, May 26, 2016 in the Logan 43rd ward, located at 1255 North 600 East in Logan, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Internment will be in the Richmond Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in remembrance of Kendall L. Johnson to the Society for Range Management, 6901 S Pierce St STE 225, Littleton, Colorado 80128. Phone number 303-986-3309, Email info@rangelands.org .