March 5, 1927 – January 13, 2015
The Los Angeles Times, Sunday, February 15, 2015
Robert P. Johnson, Jr. was born in Los Angeles, the son of Roger P. Johnson, Sr. and Eunice Peart Johnson. He spent his childhood in Hermosa Beach, Berkeley and Burbank, where he graduated from Burbank High School. He then served his country in the United States Navy.
Roger attended the University of Southern California where he was a member of the Chi Phi fraternity and played basketball. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the USC Marshall School of Business, Class of 1950. He then received a teaching credential and a Master’s Degree in Education from Long Beach State University.
His career with the Los Angeles United School District spanned decades of achievement including teacher, vice principal, principal, director of instruction, staff relations coordinator and labor relations negotiator. He retired from LAUSD and joined the staff of the Associated Administrations of Los Angeles as labor relations negotiator. He then served as a benefits consultant for the State Teachers Retirement System and two years serving on the Santa Barbara County Grand Jury.
In 1965, Roger married Ann Louise Rosenquist, whom he met on the Strand in Hermosa Beach. They lived on the Strand for many years and their sons, Christopher and Matthew were born. A move to Lunada Bay in Palos Verdes Estates kept the family close to the surf.
In 1962, Roger and Ann became involved in the fledging wine industry in Santa Inez Valley. Being a part of the winery was one of Roger’s greatest pleasure and pride. In 1990 they moved to Solvang. Roger was a member of the Viking Charities of Solvang where his favorite involvement was with the annual Children’s Christmas Party.
Roger was one of the earliest members of the San Onofre Surf Club and passed his passion for surfing on to Chris and Matt. The family trips to Hawaii with surfboards in tow are the fondest of family memories. He also enjoyed snow skiing, beach volleyball, racquetball and numerous other sports. He was a dedicated Trojan football fan! He and Ann enjoyed travel together far and wide.
Roger was a man of great elegance, intellect, grace and generosity. His devotion to his family was the center of his being. Ann, Matt, Chris and wife Kathleen, grandchildren, Leila and Luicas celebrate his legacy, his love and wonderful life. How blessed we were to be there with him. A family memorial will be held.
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