Travis was the most beautiful, loving, gentle, creative soul I have ever encountered. It's pretty amazing that we all got to share a part of our lives with a real life angel. I could listen to him talk about his numerous hobbies and interests for hours on end. I loved when he would break out in song and dance mid-conversation -- especially when it was Michael Jackson or the Punky Brewster theme song. I've never laughed harder than when I was with him. He used to spend a lot of time with my family, and we always said that Trav was the comic relief of our family. It was true. He brightened every single room he entered, and every time I left him, I felt lighter. He inspired me to live in the present and be grateful for every single person and thing in life. When I was with Travis, he always made me feel like I was loved and appreciated, and that there was no one on earth he'd rather be spending time with. I know that he made everyone feel that way. It is so rare and such a gift to experience that type of love and presence. I hope that I can embody some of that to my loved ones in his memory. He was an original and there will never be anyone like Travis. I am so grateful to have known him. I love you forever, Trav.

Sending the deepest condolences and love to all of the family and friends of Travis.


Part 2

Since we grew up and I moved away, I didn’t see him as much, of course, but he was still there in my life – on Facebook, getting some up-dates from friends. A few years back, I was in Cape Cod and randomly gave him a call, inviting him out with a few of us to play pool. I hadn’t seen him in probably ten years. He took the call and said, “Okay, I’ll be there.” I’m very glad I have that memory too. When he came out with us, there was no awkwardness. We were just right back being friends and hanging out. 

No one can ever really put into words what they feel when they hear that someone like Travis passed away. All I can really say is that I’ve been walking around the last few days, doing my normal routine. Then I’ll just stop and realize again that he’s no longer there. And it’s not okay. For all here who knew Travis, and are feeling some of this too, I want to take a page from Travis’s book and tell you, “I understand.”

I have to do this in 2 parts because it’s too long.

I met Travis in elementary school, so I knew him my whole life. We became close friends High School. I have a ton of memories about Travis and they all came flooding back when I heard he passed away. When they came back and I started sharing them with mutual friends I realized something special: I don’t have any bad memories of Travis. I also realized that I have so many great memories because he was always there, in my life, and finally that with Travis, it was all, always, okay. If you knew him, I think you know what I mean.

I don’t mean he was always “there when I needed him” (although I do have memories of that). I mean, he was just always…there. At any event, at my house, at his house, at parties. At school functions I never went to, he never went to those same ones. 

And for someone who has been in my life and right there for so much of it, it’s amazing that I don’t remember one fight, not one argument, and not even a comment that rubbed me the wrong way. He had a smile that made you smile and it was all Okay when Travis was around. He was the nicknamer – (Butt me, Ben,” “Clown dog”). He was a shameless goofball (doing the worm randomly while lined up at school).  He was pure hearted. He could be good friends with two people that hated each other, and neither of them would judge him for it.

The memory that keeps coming back the strongest is of a camping trip. I had had an emotional meltdown (for reasons that I can’t remember and I’m sure were just high school reasons). I was in my tent, fuming and crying. Travis came into my tent. The meltdown hadn’t been at him or about him, so he had no reason to check on me, but he did. He just sat there a few moments and then he said, “It’s okay. I understand.” Then he left soon after and without saying anything else. But that was all I needed. I had never in my life felt so “seen.” It was Okay, and I was understood.

I Love the Johnson Brothers like family.
Better yet they are my family!
I Love You all and God Bless 
all of you & Travis. Travis was a gentle, kind hearted spirt.
He will always be in our hearts.
All my Love, 
AJ

Dear Deron, Brandon, Jared, and the Johnson Family, 

My heart goes out to you all.  Travis always had a smile on his face, the last time I saw him, he went out of his way to say hello to me; super nice gentleman.  The world was a better place with him in it. 

I know we’ve lost touch, gone our separate ways in our lives, though please know your great loss is felt.  Travis will be missed.  I’ll continue to wish you all the best life has to offer, and now I hope you can share more smiles than cries as you grieve Travis’ passing. 





This memory was an amazing time together in Chicago, we did a helicopter ride over Chicago and Travis took me to my first Phish Show in the summer..............

OBITUARY

Travis Ryan Johnson

July 9, 1976 – April 16, 2023

Doane Beal & Ames

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