Obituary for Douglas Robert Johnson
Douglas Robert Johnson was born on Oct. 13, 1960 in Quezon City, the Philippines, to Roger and Barbara Johnson. As a result of his father’s international career, Doug, along with his older and younger brothers, Steve and Scott, enjoyed a colorful boyhood living abroad. After years in the Philippines and Singapore, Doug completed his formative years abroad in Tokyo, graduating from the American School in Japan in 1978.
He returned to the States for his freshman year in college at the University of California, San Diego before transferring to the Colorado College in Colorado Springs. It was during his years at CC that two very significant, life-defining events took place. In the fall of 1979, Doug struck up a lifelong friendship with a fellow student, Kristin Henkle, who was to become his precious wife and steadfast partner to the bitter end. He also began to pursue a lifelong relationship with his Creator as he embraced the reconciliation with God that is offered to all through the cross of Christ. From this point on, Doug’s aim in life was to glorify God, establishing a life marked by devotion to his family, dedication to his work, and compassion for his fellow man.
Armed with his degree in economics, he married Kristin in Garden City, KS on September 3, 1983 and they set off on the grand adventure of becoming the Johnson family. After living in Colorado Springs and North Carolina, Doug settled his family in Denver where they have lived for 30 years. In 2004, Doug founded Catapult Growth Partners and served as managing director there for the rest of his career.
Beyond his faithful work of providing for his 7 well-loved children and supporting Kristin’s homeschooling enterprise, Doug threw himself into scouting life with his boys, guiding his three sons through to Eagle Scout and making a lasting impact on many of the men here today. He showed his children the wonders of God’s world by traveling extensively with all of them, including them in his business travels as often as he could. His steady leadership in his church community anchored his family to the Body of Christ in a way that serves them mightily in these dark days. And, of course, his sense of humor. His keen wit shone through as one of his most effective means of grace in caring for those around him. He was dearly beloved by all who knew him, from family and friends, to neighbors and business associates.
Tragically, after suffering from depression for several months, Doug succumbed to suicide on Wednesday, July 31, 2019. He is survived by Kristin, his wife of 36 years; his children, Ian, Byron, Greer, Griffith, Blythe, Sylvie, and Tessa; his children-in-law, Suzie, Emily, Tanner, and Lissette, his future son-in-law, Jesse, and his three grandsons, Myles, Zion, and Henry. He will also be sorely missed by his brother, Scott Johnson, his father-and mother-in-law, Richard and Karin Henkle, his two brothers-in-law, his three sisters-in-law, and his nine nephews and nieces.
But we do not grieve as those who have no hope.
The burial will take place at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City on Wednesday, August 7, at 10 a.m.
Friends are invited to join the family at the graveside service and also at a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall of the Methodist Church directly following.
Doug’s wife, Kristin, and their family are deeply grateful for your continued prayers.
He returned to the States for his freshman year in college at the University of California, San Diego before transferring to the Colorado College in Colorado Springs. It was during his years at CC that two very significant, life-defining events took place. In the fall of 1979, Doug struck up a lifelong friendship with a fellow student, Kristin Henkle, who was to become his precious wife and steadfast partner to the bitter end. He also began to pursue a lifelong relationship with his Creator as he embraced the reconciliation with God that is offered to all through the cross of Christ. From this point on, Doug’s aim in life was to glorify God, establishing a life marked by devotion to his family, dedication to his work, and compassion for his fellow man.
Armed with his degree in economics, he married Kristin in Garden City, KS on September 3, 1983 and they set off on the grand adventure of becoming the Johnson family. After living in Colorado Springs and North Carolina, Doug settled his family in Denver where they have lived for 30 years. In 2004, Doug founded Catapult Growth Partners and served as managing director there for the rest of his career.
Beyond his faithful work of providing for his 7 well-loved children and supporting Kristin’s homeschooling enterprise, Doug threw himself into scouting life with his boys, guiding his three sons through to Eagle Scout and making a lasting impact on many of the men here today. He showed his children the wonders of God’s world by traveling extensively with all of them, including them in his business travels as often as he could. His steady leadership in his church community anchored his family to the Body of Christ in a way that serves them mightily in these dark days. And, of course, his sense of humor. His keen wit shone through as one of his most effective means of grace in caring for those around him. He was dearly beloved by all who knew him, from family and friends, to neighbors and business associates.
Tragically, after suffering from depression for several months, Doug succumbed to suicide on Wednesday, July 31, 2019. He is survived by Kristin, his wife of 36 years; his children, Ian, Byron, Greer, Griffith, Blythe, Sylvie, and Tessa; his children-in-law, Suzie, Emily, Tanner, and Lissette, his future son-in-law, Jesse, and his three grandsons, Myles, Zion, and Henry. He will also be sorely missed by his brother, Scott Johnson, his father-and mother-in-law, Richard and Karin Henkle, his two brothers-in-law, his three sisters-in-law, and his nine nephews and nieces.
But we do not grieve as those who have no hope.
The burial will take place at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City on Wednesday, August 7, at 10 a.m.
Friends are invited to join the family at the graveside service and also at a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall of the Methodist Church directly following.
Doug’s wife, Kristin, and their family are deeply grateful for your continued prayers.