Curt Douglas Johnson

Austin automobile dealer Curt Johnson died suddenly on July 9, 2006 in Marigot, St. Martin of a heart attack after doing what he loved best, deep sea fishing, while competing in the ESPN Xtreme Release Billfishing Tournament. Curt was born in Dallas, Texas on October 12, 1955 to Dolores and Leif Johnson, and his family moved to Austin two years later, where he lived the remainder of his life. Curt is survived by his wife of 26 years, Cathy Matthews Johnson; his son Leif Matthew Johnson; his brother Robert and wife Sheila; his sister Brook Anne Johnson Broesche and husband Jerry; his nieces Staci Johnson Shultz and husband TJ; and Brittany Johnson Ziemann and husband Tim; his nephews Ryan Broesche and wife Kim; Reagan Broesche and wife Anna; Brandon Broesche, and Collin Broesche; his great nieces; and his beloved mother-in-law Mary (Scooter) Matthews. He was preceded in death by his infant brother and his parents. Curt started his dealership experience at the age of 12, changing tires at Truck City Ford. He graduated Westlake High School in Austin, attended the University of Texas where he met Cathy, and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. After college, Curt joined his brother Robert at Leif Johnson Ford and continued in their father’s legacy of excellence running 5 Central Texas dealerships which remain family-owned. While Curt was leading his own family of dealerships, he also served as Chairman of the Austin Automobile Dealers Association, Chairman of the South Texas Ford Dealers Advertising Fund, and National Chairman of the Ford National Dealer Council. Curt and his father were the first father and son to both hold this position. For his commitment to automotive excellence and community service, Curt was named a Time Magazine Quality Dealer in 2006. In addition to his professional career, Curt devoted his time and energy to Sharing God’s Love, a non-profit prison ministry he formed in 1996. After building the Chapel of Hope inside the John B. Connally Prison in Kenedy, Texas, and a Family Resource Center for families visiting loved ones incarcerated at the Connally Unit, Curt went head first into raising money for full-ride college scholarships for kids with dads in prison to give them hope for a bright future and help them thrive in productive adulthood. The first two scholarship recipients will attend Baylor University and Texas Lutheran University this fall. Curt was establishing scholarships at the University of Texas in Austin and Texas A&M Kingsville at the time of his death. He was awarded the Governor's Criminal Justice Volunteer Award in 2004 recognizing his commitment to make a difference and positively influence the lives of his fellow Texans. Curt was an active member of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, and treasured his Friday morning men’s Bible Study, being led and encouraged for over twenty years in fellowship with his buddies in faith. Curt helped develop the AISD Partners in Education Earning by Learning Program and held leadership roles as a member of the Bachelors of Austin, the Admirals Club, and the Austin Golf Club. Curt was an avid hunter and golfer, but when he was introduced to the sport of billfishing in the 90’s he was hooked, and in typical Curt Johnson fashion, he fished bigger than big, winning trophies in tournaments from the Gulf of Texas to international waters. The 600 pound Blue Marlin he caught the day before he died was the biggest fish of his life, but Curt landed too quickly in eternity for his family and friends. Curt loved life and was bullet-proof, or so we thought. He was a humble, God-fearing man, a devoted husband, father and friend, sensitive and caring, and deeply loved. He gave tirelessly of his self and resources, and was highly respected for his integrity as a professional and community servant. In everything he did, Curt’s ethics and standards were the “best-of-the-best”, and he led others to be better by making them believe they could be. A service celebrating Curt’s life will be led by Pastor Bennett at 2pm on Friday, July 14, 2006, at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 606 W. 15th Street in Austin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity Curt loved with all his heart and soul, Sharing God’s Love, PO Box 4648, Austin, Texas 78765, or the charity of your choice. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com