Erie Vaughn Johnson passed away on May 2, 2024, peacefully after suffering a heart attack. Erie is survived by his wife, JoAnne, their two children, Shawn and Kendra, and spouse’s, Claire and Steve and his only grandson, Jack – he was the best granddad ever!
Erie grew up in Anderson, California. He proceeded to Chico State College to earn an Agricultural Degree, a Master’s degree from Cal-Poly, then a Doctorate in Vocational Education from the University of Northern Colorado.
He had a distinguished career in higher education for over 50 years: first as a high school Agriculture teacher, then as President of a college in Alaska, continuing as Dean of Instructions and Director of College Programs. He retired from Cerro Coso Community College here in the valley. Erie received numerous awards for contributing to Community College Education and his commitment to service.
Passionate about community service, he was a member of Rotary for 48 years. He believed in the Rotary motto “Service above Self.” He served as President of local clubs and helped start the farthest northern Rotary Club in Barrow, Alaska. Erie also served as the President of the Kern Valley Historical Society, was President of Kern River Valley Revitalization, and was on many other committees.
At the top of the list of Erie’s most enjoyable activities was the 1930 Model A Ford Woodie Wagon. He spent many hours (with much help) restoring his pride and joy. This Model A made many family trips across the United States.
Erie could grow just about anything and loved raising sheep as he did this most of his adult life. He would bring lambs into the house to hand feed and keep them warm.
He also loved to fish and caught one of the biggest King Salmon on the Kenai River in Alaska – 72 pounds. One year he spent the entire summer fly fishing for salmon. He enjoyed cozying up to a warm fire, using the hot tub, watching Denver Bronco football and Gonzaga basketball games, listening to country music, eating good food, and spending time with his family and friends.
The President of the Historical Society, John Newman wrote, “Erie will be missed, but his passion for getting people to work together for the common good will stay with us.” Cards received after his passing noted that Erie was a force and a presence in all he touched; he was such a great human; a kind and considerate man; a great man with a wonderful sense of humor; a loss for the world; and appreciated for how he encouraged us to think for ourselves.
There will be a private Celebration of Life at a later date. Memorials in Erie’s name would be welcome to a special fund at the Kern River Valley Historical Society.
