Rick's Celebration of Life

Richard Lee Johnson Jr.

07/24/1970 - 07/27/2022

My dad left this earth too early. He put up the biggest fight, he hung on for all of us despite the pain. For over a month he battled for more time, now he deserves the biggest celebration.

My dad was selfless to a fault. He gave everything he had, even to those who were not worthy of such kindness. He loved his family fiercely. He was the the world's BEST dad and grandpa. He was an amazing friend to everyone. He could make anyone laugh.

He was a huge movie buff and loved his reggae music. He had a dog named Murphy who he was inseparable from. Murphy is now in my care which has brought so much comfort to me. My dad always said that Mountain Dew was the "nectar of the gods" and he always had some in his blue Yeti cup. Blue was his favorite color.

I could write a novel about what an amazing soul he is. Maybe someday I will. But we need to get on to the point of this fundraiser. My mom very graciously covered the cost of my dad's cremation. My sister, grandma, and myself will have necklaces and beautiful glass statues with his ashes so we will have him with us always. I would like to use this fundraiser to offset some of that financial burden, the medical bills that I'm sure will come, and most importantly, throw him the biggest party. Before his passing he lost his cousin and was able to attend her celebration of life in California. He spoke often about how healing that was for him, I need to feel that right now. My dad has had a very hard life. He did not have any life insurance, now is the time for us to care for him one last time. Any money raised will go to final expenses, his celebration, and Murphy's vet bills because he needs a check up. If there is anything leftover I will donate it to Live On Nebraska in his name. His last selfless act was becoming a tissue donor through this program.