Larry Elmo Johnson

Larry Elmo Johnson was born and raised in Oakland, CA and lived there for his first 31 years. He started working at 10 as a paperboy for the Oakland Tribune. He grew up in Fruitvale and later moved near the Lake Chabot Golf course. He started playing golf at 14 and worked in the pro shop for eight years during high school and college. He was a proud member of the first graduating class of Skyline High School (1962). Before joining the Army Reserves as a medic, he attended Oakland City College and was a member of Alpha Phi Beta and they still get together to this day. After basic training he started his career at PG&E as an electrical engineer. While working he also attended Cal State Hayward at night and earned his BS in biology. He was employed for close to 40 years starting when PG&E was “like a family business”.
Larry enjoyed many things including gardening, working around the house and doing word puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. However, his passion in life was golf. He said it was his wife, Janet, but even she knew it was golf. He became a member at MVGCC/BCC in 1986. He’d play golf every weekend and upon retirement he also played during the week (and then would come home and watch it on TV). Just before he had to stop playing he shot a 78 at age 76. He shot two double eagles but a hole in one eluded him, however, he never quit trying.
He met his wife, Janet, and two days later they had their first date on December 11, 1970 at Skates on the Bay where they continued to celebrate every year on that date for 50 years! They were married for 35 years but made memories together for 51 plus.
Larry loved to cook and watch cooking shows. He was renowned for his memorable margaritas, his perfect popcorn and his St. Patrick’s Day dinners.
Larry was predeceased by his parents, Elmo “Swede” Johnson and Bernice Trupukka Johnson along with his two brothers, Lynn and Leland. He is survived by his wife, Janet Palmer Johnson, his brother-in-law, Gary Palmer (Cheryl), his nephews David Johnson (Sonoma), Timothy Johnson (Boise) and Jonathan Palmer (Pleasant Hill). He leaves behind four great nephews and four great nieces and many Swedish and Finnish relatives plus cousins Lynne and John Averett (Houston). He loved all his friends and the many golf buddies he made over the years.
When you drive by a gold course or are at the 19th hole, think of Larry and tip your cap. Amongst his last words were, “Be happy for me.” And so we will be.
My dear, Larry, I send you off with 11 fraps and one to grow on.
You may want to consider a donation to a charity of your choice or to Lions International of which Larry was an active member for over 40 years.

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