Ralph Edgar "Ed" Johnson, Jr.

Ralph Edgar "Ed" Johnson Jr.: A Legacy of Leadership and Service

Ralph Edgar Johnson Jr., "Ed," passed away peacefully in Denver at the age of 82 on Tuesday, December 19th, 2023.

A memorial service celebrating Ed's remarkable life will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Bethany Lutheran Church 4500 E. Hampden Avenue, Cherry Hills, CO. A reception will follow from 2-4 pm.

Born on November 24, 1941, in Denver to Ralph and Edith Jane (EJ) Johnson, Ed was a proud third-generation Denverite. Ed’s parents were tireless community volunteers and leaders in Denver. His grandfather, David D. Sturgeon, owner of Sturgeon Electric Co, was credited for founding outdoor Christmas Lighting in 1914, and for contributing to Denver's reputation as the “Christmas Capital of the World.” Ed graduated from East High School in 1959, and California Western University. He later received his MBA from the University of Denver.

Ed loved athletics. He was a versatile and accomplished high school athlete in track, basketball, softball and football. Later, he distinguished himself as a top-ranked player in handball, racquetball, and squash. Ed earned top-five national rankings in 50+ Doubles Squash. He was also an accomplished golfer.

Ed began his career at Sturgeon Electric Company, a family business. After the sale of the business in 1974, Ed became Director of Corporate Development at the University of Denver and later the VP of Hiram Scott College in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Returning to Denver, he served as VP of Consumer Banking at First of Denver. He went on to become manager of Van Schaack and Co and had a successful career in commercial and residential real estate in Denver and California.

A man of deep Christian faith and community spirit, Ed's philosophy was that family, faith, community, and career were the cornerstones of his life. He dedicated himself to enriching Denver, particularly focusing on helping the future of Denver’s youth. His extensive involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver  was a testament to his belief in providing positive role models for young people. Ed's connection with FCA was lifelong, evolving from a participant in his teen years to a state Chairman and a National Board Member.

Ed's commitment to service was reflected in his leadership and fundraising roles for numerous organizations. His notable positions included President of Denver Athletic Club, President of the Denver Country Club, Director at Colorado Christian University, and Past Director and an Honorary Lifetime Board Member of the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver.

A lifetime member of both the Denver Athletic Club and the Denver Country Club, and a member of Thunderbird Country Club, Ed was also involved with the Jesters Club of America (US Squash), the Denver Executive Club, Denver Rotary and was a member of the inaugural class of Leadership Denver.

Family was not just the cornerstone but the very essence of his joy. Ed, a devoted husband, father  and grandfather, always placed family at the forefront, immersing himself wholeheartedly in the lives of his daughter and grandchildren. His boundless enthusiasm for their academic and athletic achievements was a testament to his unwavering support. In his marriage to Judy, spanning nearly six decades, Ed exemplified the role of a loving and devoted husband, showcasing his profound dedication to his life partner. Ed cherished the close bonds with his brother Dwight, sister Ruthanne, and his beloved nieces and nephews. Equally significant was Ed's "extended family" – a vast network of friends from various phases of his life, who completed the tapestry of his happiness. Ed's amiable nature meant he never encountered a stranger, and his warmth and friendliness earned him the affection and admiration of so many.

Ed leaves behind his loving wife, Judy; their daughter, Jennifer Meyer, and son-in-law, Matthew Meyer of Pelham, NY; four adored grandchildren, Claire, Catherine, Alexandra, and Jack; and his brother, Dwight Johnson.

To honor Ed's life and legacy, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers contributions to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Colorado, Colorado Christian University, Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver, or Porter Hospice of Centennial, CO, which provided exceptional loving care in Ed's final days.

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