Lynn Johnson
Sep 27, 1951 -
Jul 21, 2026
On July 21, 2026, Alaska said goodbye to one of its fondest people. Lynn Johnson slipped away peacefully in his sleep, with his wife of 43 years, Terri, by his side.
Lynn was born on September 27, 1951, in Turlock, California, to Ruth McDonnell Johnson and Harold Johnson, and was raised alongside his stepfather, Rex Bishopp. He graduated from Turlock High in 1969, attended California State University Stanislaus earning a degree in Business and then pointed himself north to Alaska. Best business decision, and best life decision, he ever made.
Speaking of best decisions, a blind date, set up by Terri's brother Jay, turned into a whirlwind romance so convincing that Terri packed her bags and moved to Alaska after only two weeks of dating. They married on January 7, 1983, and spent the next 43 years proving that love and a good sense of humor can survive almost anything, including Alaskan winters and Lynn's endless supply of "Lynn-isms."
In 1975, Lynn joined Dowland-Bach, a stainless-steel fabrication company founded by his neighbor and friend, Ed Clinton. In 1996, Lynn assumed ownership of the company, expanding its reach to South America, the Middle East, Norway, and beyond. Under his leadership, Dowland-Bach was honored to build the celebratory torch for Alaska's 50th Anniversary, a testament to Lynn's vision and commitment to the state.
Lynn was deeply involved in his community, serving on the board of the Red Cross and Girdwood 2020, was a member of the Alaska Business Alliance and President of the Petroleum Club. He believed in giving back and civic engagement his entire life. Lynn served as Honorary Commander for the F-15 525 Fighter Squadron for 5 years, call sign "Shooter". He earned his wings, figuratively speaking, by not losing his lunch when he went up in a fighter jet.
As a licensed pyrotechnician, Lynn had a permit to legally "blow sh** up" and he used it every New Year's to light up the sky over Girdwood. He captained his boat, the Illusion, in Whittier for the days he needed saltwater instead of paperwork, and he chased snow skiing all over the world, with Whistler Blackcomb being his favorite resort outside of Alyeska. He also had a serious taste for the far corners of the map, having explored Antarctica, Patagonia, Iceland, South Africa and more.
If there was a Jimmy Buffett song playing, Lynn was probably the one who put it on and there was a very good chance he was wearing a Hawaiian shirt while he did it, regardless of temperature outside. He was a mentor, a world-class prankster, and as anyone who knew him would tell you, the truest embodiment of Alaska's adventurous, do-it-yourself spirit.
Lynn is survived by his wife, Terri; his daughter, Kelsey James, and her husband, John; his son, Chris Johnson; his brother, Clint Johnson, and his wife, Julie; his nephew, Zac Johnson, his wife, April, and their children, Leland, Everly, Isla, and Declan; and his niece, Jessica Ezell, her husband, Tim, and their children, Harper, Harlow, and Hudson. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth; his stepfather, Rex; his father, Harold; and his stepsister, Laurie Bishopp. He leaves behind more friends across Alaska (and beyond) than could ever fit in one obituary, all of them with at least one great Lynn story.
A celebration of Lynn's life will be held on August 11, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Petroleum Club, 3301 C St #120, Anchorage, AK 99503. Hawaiian shirts strongly encouraged. In lieu of flowers, Lynn would want you to give to a charity close to your heart. He always believed in putting good back into the community.
Lynn Johnson was a beacon of light to his family, friends, and community. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and his spirit will forever inspire us to live life with adventure, kindness, and fun.
Visit lynnclausjohnson.com to view pictures and read more about the amazing man we know as Lynn, LJ and Shooter. He was one of a kind and we will love him forever.
