Steven Walter Johnson ’80
Steven Walter Johnson ’80 passed away March 27. He is survived by his wife, Diane, children Nathan, Briana, Stephanie, Mike, Evan, Lahne, Collin and Taylor; four grandchildren; father James and his wife, Ann; and brothers Randy and Jim. Steve was predeceased by son Justin and mother Margaret. Steve was born in Lawton, Oklahoma. He graduated from Bear Creek High School in Lakewood, Colorado. At Dartmouth Steve was an active participant in the Dartmouth Area Christian Fellowship, Bible study and Big Brother programs. As a senior he joined the Handel Society. Steve met Diane in the sixth grade and they started dating the summer before their junior year in high school. When Diane went out to visit at the beginning of his senior spring term, Steve proposed under moonlight in Vermont. They were married August 30, 1980. Following graduation Steve and Diane planted a church in Amherst, Massachusetts, where Steve was the pastor. They moved back to Colorado in 1989 and Steve began a fulfilling career as an educator. He served as history and building resource teacher and soccer coach at Highlands Ranch High School, assistant principal at Thunder Ridge High School, principal at Mountain Vista High School, director of Douglas County High Schools and principal at McClain Community High School. He earned a master’s in education from the University of Phoenix. Steve also served as an elder at Centennial Covenant Church.
