Corwin Von Johnson, age 69 (August 16, 1956 – April 6, 2026) was born in Pocatello, Idaho, to Val and Louise Johnson. He often joked that he was the “sixth to the oldest” in a family of seven children. Before his birth, his mother was stricken with rheumatic fever and was advised to terminate the pregnancy due to serious risks to both her life and his. She chose faith instead, and always considered Corwin a precious gift. Fittingly, the name Corwin means “Heart’s Friend and Cheerful Companion”, a beautiful reflection of the man he became.

Corwin grew up in a family that moved frequently as his father worked as a supervisor building chapels across several states. He lived in Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Utah, and California, eventually settling in Merced, California, where he graduated from high school.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He earned his Duty to God Award in the Boy Scouts of America, and later faithfully served for two years in the Calgary, Alberta, Canada Mission. His love for the gospel and his testimony of Jesus Christ became the foundation of his life.

In 1979, Corwin married Mary Sharp in California. Together, they had four children, and Corwin embraced his role as a father with love and devotion. They were later divorced.

He later continued his education at DeVry University in Phoenix, Arizona, where he studied electronics. Eventually, Corwin made Glendale, Arizona, his home, where he built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work.

In September 1999, Corwin married Paula Warner Jorgensen in the Mesa, Arizona, Temple. One year later, they were sealed for time and all eternity. Paula helped him raise his family and became his devoted companion, and partner through life’s greatest joys, and its most difficult trials.

Corwin was known for his strong work ethic and many talents. Over the years, he worked in banking, insurance, building maintenance, dump truck driving, and auto parts. He spent many years in management roles within the roofing and building supply industry before retiring at age 62 due to health challenges.

From 2009 until the end of his life, Corwin courageously battled Metastatic Colon Cancer. Over 17 years, he endured countless hospitalizations, surgeries, and treatments. When speaking about his journey, he would often say, “It is what it is,” accepting his circumstances with quiet strength and unwavering faith. Of the treatments he faced, he would sometimes add, “it isn’t for the faint of heart”, a simple phrase that spoke volumes about the physical and emotional toll he carried with such dignity. He also said, “Any day my feet hit the ground, it is a good day.” And he made it just that.

Through it all, he remained cheerful, optimistic, and determined. He never complained. Instead, he always looked forward, seeking one more treatment, one more option, one more opportunity for time with those he loved. During his final hospitalization, doctors remarked that they had never seen someone survive so long with such a diagnosis. In their words, “cancer did not win, Corwin did.” Shortly before his passing, he was also diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

More than anything, Corwin loved his family and his faith. He found joy in teaching, serving, sharing the gospel, and lifting others. He had a gift for friendship and made everyone feel seen and valued. He loved woodworking, camping, fishing, hiking, scuba diving, skiing, and being in nature. His favorite place on earth was Yosemite National Park. He also cherished laughter, games, and time spent with those he loved, especially third Sunday dinners with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Corwin is survived by his eternal companion and beloved wife, Paula; his children Mark (Tiffany) Johnson, Christine (Chris) Porter, Alan (Ellen) Johnson, Calvin Johnson, and Christy Nelson; and his nine grandchildren: Caleb, Hannah, Seth, Rachel, and Isaac Johnson, and Jay, Sonja, Natalie, and Emily Porter. He is also survived by his siblings and their families: Larry (LeeAnn) Johnson, Nancy Anderson, Brent (Sharon) Johnson, Dave (Fran) Johnson, Alan (Janice) Johnson, and Paula (Steve) Fredrickson, along with many cousins, relatives, and dear friends.

Though our hearts ache in his absence, we do not say goodbye to Corwin; we say, “See you again.” We will miss his steady presence, his laughter, his wisdom, and the way he made each of us feel loved and important. There is an empty space where he once stood, but it is filled with the countless memories he gave us, and the love he so freely shared. He was generous, loving, kind, and a positive example of facing life’s challenges with dignity and courage.

We can almost picture him now: whole, free from pain, and full of joy, walking paths he loves, perhaps even in a place that looks a lot like Yosemite, with that familiar smile and a thumbs up, reminding us one more time, “Grandpa’s the best!”And maybe, if he could say one more thing to us, it would be the same steady words he lived by: “It is what it is.” Not as resignation, but as peace. As trust. As a quiet reminder that even in the hardest things, God is aware, and we are never alone.

His life was a gift. His love is a legacy. And because of that, he is never truly gone. His light and his love will continue to strengthen us and guide us.

Until we meet again. We love you, Corwin. 

There will be a memorial service for Corwin at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 155 West 400 North, Smithfield, Utah 84335.  Private burial services in the Smithfield, Utah, Cemetery will be held prior to the memorial services. 

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