Gilbert Johnson

Gilbert “Gil” Johnson, age 84, a resident of Colorado Springs for 21 years, passed away on June 9, 2015 at a local care center. He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, step-father, grandfather, and friend.

Gil was born on January 18, 1931 in Denver, Colorado to the late Reginald John and Mary Anne (O’Rourke) Johnson. He married Pat Shaw in September of 1995 in Colorado Springs.

He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Denver, a Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Denver, and a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Colorado. He started his teaching career as a music teacher, but spent most of his tenure teaching math and computer science. In partnership with IBM, he piloted the first computer program in the Denver Public Schools.

He was an exceptional musician who loved to play several different instruments in dance bands and parades. He was the director of the 101st Army Band during his reserve duty in the National Guard. He won multiple awards while on the National Guard Pistol Shooting Team, trained dogs as a hobby, and was a member of the National Ski Patrol for over 25 years.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Pat Shaw; three daughters Kristina Johnson, Cecilia Johnson Bonertz, and Rebecca Johnson; son-in-law Dale Bonertz; and step-children LuAnn Shaw, Brad Shaw, and Debbie Schultz. He has five grandchildren: Adam Bonertz, Marissa Bonertz, Justin Runia, Chloe Shaw, and Sydney Shaw. His parents and his first wife, Joan Sweeney Johnson, preceded him in death.