Robert Duane Johnson

Robert Duane Johnson, 72, passed away on November 6, 2026, in Syracuse, Utah. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he lived a life shaped by faith, family, and a lifelong curiosity about the world around him.

Robert was born to True and Mary Johnson in Spokane, Washington on October 25, 1954. He grew up in a military family where he spent much of his childhood moving around to different states, eventually settling in Farmington, Utah. He earned an associate’s degree at Ricks College then earned a bachelor’s degree in geology and a master’s degree in business administration at Brigham Young University. He earned a Master of International Management degree from the American Graduate School of International Management. He and Etsuko Wakabayashi were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on April 26, 1991. They are the parents of four children and have four grandchildren.

Robert held a variety of roles throughout his career. He performed geological land surveys, taught English conversation at Japanese high schools, and translated for Seiko Instruments Inc. and Hitachi, Ltd. He worked in Japan for several years before returning with his family to Farmington, Utah, in 2002, and eventually settling in Syracuse, Utah, in 2016. His work took him around the world, including to Vietnam, the Czech Republic, and Brazil.

He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a full- time mission in the Japan Nagoya Mission from 1973 – 1975 and served various callings throughout his life, from working with the youth to working as a temple ordinance worker. He regularly studied the scriptures and other religious literature, continually seeking to deepen his understanding of his faith.

Robert enjoyed watching BYU football, jogging, hiking, music, gardening, and skiing. He played the piano every Sunday at home. After retirement, he picked up watercolor painting. Jogging was a consistent part of his routine throughout his life. Above all, he loved spending time with his family. He loved to hike around the national parks in Utah with his sons and explore geological formations. He enjoyed attending his children’s school band concerts and other school events. His love and respect for family extended to generations who came before him, and he was deeply involved in genealogical work. He had a keen memory of his ancestors and could readily share stories about them. Family memories and photos were his prized possessions.

He is survived by his wife, Etsuko Johnson; their four children, Sarah Crowley, Rachel Draper (Travis), Robert Ryan (Sky), and Mark; and four grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Trudy Bradford (Henry), Teresa Draper, James (Susan), Janice, Stephen (Bonnie), and David (Stephanie). He was preceded in death by his parents, True and Mary Johnson; and by his brother-in-law, Dwayne Draper.

The family expresses its gratitude for the kind and dedicated care provided by Intermountain Health and Hospice.