Barry Johnson

Jul 3, 1939 -

Oct 29, 2026

Barry Johnson, 87, passed away in Anchorage, Alaska, on Oct. 29, 2026. Born to Gwen and Roy Johnson, Barry grew up in Watford, England, where his love of soccer and scouting grew into a lifelong appreciation for sports and adventure. In Watford, he apprenticed and then worked as a journeyman printer. After completing his British Military service as a member of the Military Police, he found printing work at newspapers in South Africa and New Zealand, traveled extensively, and finally landed in Anchorage as a printer with the Anchorage Times in 1969.

In Anchorage, he played soccer, learned to cross-country and downhill ski, and fished near Anchor Point and wherever else fish were biting. He deeply loved to fish, and started his own guiding business, Alaska Fishing Adventures, to take clients - and himself - on raft trips down remote rivers in search of fishing holes.

Barry volunteered for the Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage (NSAA) for many years as the printer and then editor of the Nordic Skier newsletter, as the creator of the NSAA annual photo contest and calendar sale, and as a photographer for Nordic ski events. He also trained for and skied in the Tour of Anchorage year after year and recruited many friends to do the same.

Barry was amiable and outgoing and enjoyed jokes and community events.

Barry is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joyce Weaver Johnson; children, Raven Johnson, Diana Johnson and Sally Hokanson; six grandchildren; and sister, Lorna Biczysko. A memorial service is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2027, from 2-4 p.m., at Lidia Selkregg Russian Jack Chalet, with donations welcomed for the NSAA endowment fund, in lieu of flowers.