Robert Carl (Bob) Johnson

Robert Carl (Bob) Johnson, 78, died Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at his home in Estes Park, Colo. after a brief battle with esophageal cancer.

Born in 1939 in Spokane, Wash,, Johnson moved to Estes Park in 2004 to enjoy the mountain scenery and starry skies.

Bob leaves three sons, Kenneth Johnson of Los Angeles, Calif., Brian Nichols of Denver, Colo. and Scott Nichols of Aurora, Colo.; three grandsons; his sister, Margit Johnson; a niece and nephew and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra (Gleazer) Johnson.

Raised on a 2,000 acre farm in Eastern Washington, Johnson joined the U.S. Army after graduating from high school in 1957. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve while studying mathematics at Eastern Washington University. Bob went on to earn both master's and doctoral degrees in theoretical mathematics at Oregon State University and began a long career teaching mathematics.

He held faculty positions at Wabash College, Gallaudet University and Central Washington University. After leaving academia, Bob and his wife Sandy ran a business distributing organic nutrition supplements and household products for Shaklee Corporation. Their work with Shaklee took them across the country and to many European nations, while helping others build successful businesses of their own.

A lifetime fitness enthusiast, Bob liked to run and cycle, and continued to both golf at Estes Park's 9- and 18-hole courses and also lift weights through his final year of life. His analytical mind lent itself to the game of Bridge, which he enjoyed regularly with a group of Estes Park friends.

Bob was also passionate about social justice and women's rights. He served as a Democratic Party county chairman, Patriots for Peace, braving freezing temperatures and always wearing his beloved peace-sign necklace. Bob was also active with the Kiwanis Club.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Kiwanis Club. Memorial services will be announced at a later date.