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Memorial for Rod Johnson

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Hi everyone, my name is Holly and I am creating this go fund me in memory of my step dad, Rod Johnson. It is with such a heavy heart and still in complete and utter shock that I let you know my step dad passed away unexpectedly late last night on Jan 9, 2022 in their home with my mom, Margaret Sheppard-Johnson by his side.
 
We are surrounding ourselves with family and close friends during this difficult time but as i'm sure many of you have also experienced the devastating sense of loss you feel when a loved one passes, I know those reading this will be able to understand the incredible amount of uncertainty surrounding my Mom and my entire family right now. It is, and always has been, my number one priority to help my Mom through this in any way possible. This is why I would love for any and all of you to share this post as a way to help my Mom through this completely shocking time. I also hope this can also be used as a way to honor Rod and share the best memories of him.
 
I still remember the day Rod came into my life and I remember thinking my life with my Mom was going to change forever, I was scared things were never going to be the same because it had just been us for so long. 14 years later I am so beyond thankful that he walked into our lives. Things were far from perfect for a long time and he kept a lot to himself, but he was there for us when we needed him and was the most reliable and trustworthy man I could have asked for in a partner for my Mom. He took me in without thinking twice and never looked back and I will never be able to explain how much he has impacted my life. I wish I had.
 
He was a genuine, god-fearing, stubborn as hell one in a million step dad and husband. When I think about Rod, and if you were lucky enough to call him a friend, i'm sure you would agree, he was selfless. He was the best man to me and my Mom and cared for her through the hardest of times. It makes me so sad to think about not even a year passing after retirement he is gone and is already out of time filming his Bourbon instagrams on our driveway. He found a one of a kind community of Bourbon lovers online who he loved and really found where he belonged in the last few years. We will all be forever thankful for the kindness of everyone in this community as you were a second family to someone that had no family of their own.
 
He lived a full life but it could have been much fuller, I wish we had more time. It never feels like enough. Please remember to hold your loved ones close everyday. We don't get more time.
 
Thank you in advance to everyone, you all mean the world to my Mom, myself and my entire family.

Memorial information will be updated once available. 
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $30 
    • 2 yrs
  • Betsy & Praba Balachandran
    • $500 
    • 2 yrs
  • Jeanette Bottom
    • $20 
    • 2 yrs
  • Hwa Young Chong
    • $25 
    • 2 yrs
  • Bethany Raven
    • $100 
    • 2 yrs
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Organizer

Holly Sheppard
Organizer
Chicago, IL

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