We say farewell to our brother Craig E. Johnson born in Munchweiler, Germany on Aug 10. 1960 to Clemmie Johnson and Elizabeth J. Bronaugh. Born an Army brat he spent the first 10 years of his life in Germany. He fell in Love with the German customs and culture, celebrating Christmas, and Oktoberfest with those same traditions throughout his life.
His favorite foods include German Desserts and wine, and you could never fail with a German Pretzel, Bratwurst, or Haribo Goldbears when it came to making him smile. His favorite Christmas songs were O'tannenbaum. Feliz Navidad and the Little Drummer Boy. No matter what city he was in at Christmas or Oktoberfest you can bet he would find a German store for authentic Fixings.
Growing up as an 'ARMY Brat' set the roots for his love and commitment for travel.
He was certain to be out of the country a minimum of once a year, which was usually around his birthday. Working for private security, Diamondbacks and the NFL but his primary position was for the Arizona Cardinals which kept him traveling from coast to coast 10 months out of the year with occasional international travel once a year. Yep, that's right, he worked his dream job for most of his life. In his 35 years of security it was not limited to sports, he also did music venues, festivals, The Olympics, NASCAR, personal security for high profile celebrities that he enjoyed just as much, and refining his love for music and art appreciation. But the bonus round for him was the year he tried out for the Oakland Raiders and made it through part of the season.
Some of Craig's other pastimes included what we might call weekend field trips to the zoo, museums, farmers market and other local tourist sites even when he happened to be in his city of residence. He was sure to take his nieces and nephew if he happened to be in town and would insist his siblings tag along.
A stay at home on the couch kind of guy is never who he was as long as he was healthy.
As 10-year cancer survivor, Craig was determined to not let any obstacles hold him back, not even dialysis which started 6 years ago.
Craig was a dedicated Marvel and DC Fan from his early years collecting and trading comic books. Any time a new Marvel movie came out that was not consistent with the original story line of Stan Lee he was quick to call it out. Upon moving back to the US he discovered Bruce Lee, the Green Hornet and adopted a love for Kung-Fu. He took on the character of the Kung-Fu Master practicing his moves on his younger brother, Elwood.
Craig was a self-taught 'Nunchuck Master' and earned his Black belt in Karate and became a sensei. He was able to combine his love for Kung Fu and Marvel buy embodying the Spider-man character.
He loved getting into character and costume for family occasions and once was the perfect surprise for his nephew Max and friends for his 7th birthday party. Craig flew in especially to play Spider-man and it worked so perfectly because his nephew had no idea he was in town.
He was a movie buff with a preference for action, fighting, superheroes, and suspense. He developed a love for photography, through which his photo albums offered the family chronicles that covered decades of special moments.
Craig's most incredible and adventurous life was compromised after surviving an 8-month bout with cancer. The cancer eventually caught back up with him 6 years later by way of the side effects from the chemo and radiation that eventually took a toll on his kidneys.
Craig’s Sunset was Monday, January 8th, 2024. He was preceded in death by his father Clemmie Elwood Johnson, his mother Elizabeth J. Bronaugh, his grandmother Lizzy Thompson, and sister Sharon Johnson.
He leaves behind his siblings Saundra Topazz Johnson McBride, Elwood Johnson (Zerne), Claudette Elizabeth Johnson, Lynda Johnson Jimenez. His Nieces and nephews, Timisha Mahogany Declue, Dupree Xavier Johnson, Madison Solomon Malik McBride, Trinity and Tzyiah Declue. In addition, to a host of loving aunts, cousins and friends.
Craig will always hold a special seat at the Johnson table and a deep space in our hearts. We miss and love you forever and for years to come.
Repass service Saturday, January 27th @2pm, Circle Back TAP. 1106 N Circle Dr. Colorado Springs 80909
The family would like to thank everyone for your continued prayers, love and support during their difficult time.
Thank you From The Johnson’s
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