August 1, 2024 - Guy Allen Johnson, a distinguished mining engineer, beloved husband, devoted father, and cherished community leader, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2024, at his home in Colorado. He was 79 years old. Guy was a long-time member of the Rocky Mountain Mining Institute joining in 1998 and was awarded Life Member in 2005. He was an avid supporter of the coal mining industry.

Born on May 29, 1945, in Northern Minnesota, Guy pursued his passion for helping people and community prosper by earning Master's degrees from the Univ. of Minnesota in Mining Engineering and Management. His professional journey spanned research, safety, technology-commercialization and management with the US Bureau of Mines, Department of Interiors. Guy retired as the Director of the Bureau’s Denver Research Center in 1995, thereafter consulting on global mining issues which took him to rural operations in China, Jordan, Hungary, Bulgaria and beyond. His technical expertise was always accompanied by practical advice, including his hard-earned knowledge of why one should avoid tap water in rural China.

Guy Johnson

Guy's life was marked by his love for adventure and community. He proudly served in the Army Reserves and with many professional organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Mining Institute and the Colorado School of Mines. In retirement he created a nonprofit to help the public understand their reliance upon our nation’s mining sector via education tents at events such as the Taste of Colorado and the State Fair where teachers could find help with curriculum and kids could enjoy panning for gold.

Traveling with his beloved wife and best friend, Pam, was a shared passion. Together, they explored places like Oregon and Minnesota, and Europe. For Guy, every journey, even with its wrong turns, was an opportunity for a new adventure and "scenic diversion." At home, Guy's hospitality was renowned. He welcomed all with open arms and ensured every guest left with a full stomach. If he couldn't recall a name, he would greet them warmly with a cheerful "Hello, Fred!" His kindness and generosity touched the lives of countless friends, family members, and colleagues.

Guy was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Loretta Day and Delores LaBerg, and his stepdaughter Kimberly Rodriquez. He is survived by his devoted wife, Pam Johnson; his children Noel (Lauren), Anders (Jenny), and stepson Phil Rodriquez (Dana); his grandchildren Kerstin, Carl, Alex Jessem, and Wade Newhart; and a wide circle of friends who will remember him for his warmth, humor, and unwavering spirit.

A celebration of Guy's life will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Advantage Runyan Stevenson Funeral Home in Lakewood, Colorado, from 6 PM to 8 PM, with a reception to follow.

Guy Allen Johnson's legacy of adventure, compassion, and dedication will live on in the hearts of those who were privileged to know him. His passing leaves a void in our lives, but his spirit will continue to inspire and guide us to work hard to realize shared prosperity. Rest in peace, Guy. You have left an enduring legacy of love and kindness that will be cherished forever.