Valden Johnson's Funeral Expenses

Hello -

As you are able and willing, please consider contributing to the funeral expenses for our father, Dr. Valden Johnson. We would appreciate your support in properly honoring him.

Any contributions would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

-Alexandra & Aimee

Dr Valden Johnson Obituary

It is difficult to fully encapsulate the life and legacy of our father, Valden, in just a few words. To many of you, he was known as a doctor, a neighbor, and a friend; but to my sister and me, he was simply "Dad."

Growing up on the Navajo Reservation, our father faced numerous challenges and obstacles, many of which he never shared with others. Despite these obstacles, he persevered and achieved great success, graduating from the University of Utah in just three years and attending Stanford Medical School. With his many accomplishments, he chose to practice medicine on the Navajo Reservation, integrating Western medicine and traditional Navajo healing practices. As his two daughters, we are incredibly proud of all that he accomplished in his life and the kind and compassionate person that he was.

Our father had a special place in his heart for his patients and colleagues, particularly those on the reservation. Many of our conversations at home revolved around his work and the funny stories he would tell us about his medical students. He cherished the relationships he had with his colleagues, and we know how much he appreciated your support and companionship. We want to take this opportunity to thank his colleagues for being a part of his life and for making his job something he truly loved. Thank you for listening to his stories, and for watching all his silly Facebook videos.

Our father lived a life filled with both triumphs and heartbreaks. At a young age, he lost his brother Wesley to a tragic hunting accident, and later on, his father passed away when my sister and I were still very young. Despite these early losses, he continued to persevere, and devoted himself to his passions and loved ones. He had a deep love for animals and the home he and our mom built, which was often filled with rescued animals that he had taken in, such as his best friend & Rez dog, Rocky, who he found at the Shiprock Flee Market.

But perhaps his greatest heartbreak came in 2008, when our mother, Susan, the love of his life, passed away. The depth of his love for our mother was immeasurable, and her loss was profound for him. It was a cruel twist of fate that left him to raise two teenage girls on his own, yet he accepted the role of both mom and dad without hesitation. Though life was forever changed without our mother by his side, our father did his best to make sure we still had happy birthdays and holidays and celebrated important milestones. He dedicated the rest of his life to honoring our mother's memory and the love they shared.

Our father was a remarkable individual who, despite the many challenges he faced in life, lived with compassion, dedication, and love. One of his most admirable qualities was his unparalleled respect for all people. From a young age, he instilled in us the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect regardless of their background, appearance, or language. He was a master at handling difficult situations with grace and never let negativity affect his mood or actions. He never spoke ill of anyone, and instead always sought to see the best in others. This is a valuable lesson that, if he could, he would have imparted to the world.

Dad, I could have written this letter a million times over again. There are no words to express my gratitude for everything you have done for me. Thank you for always having faith in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. I wouldn't be where I am today without you. Your absence will be felt deeply, especially by me and Alex. I hope mom, Tapa, Wesley, Rocky and you are all reunited wherever you are.

Alex, I understand how much pain you must be feeling right now. It may seem like everything is crashing down around you, but please remember who your parents are. You come from a family of strength and resilience. Our mom and dad have equipped you with everything you need to achieve your dreams. And most importantly, never forget that you are not alone. Mom, dad, and I will always be here for you. You are surrounded by love and will never have to walk through this alone.

Uncle, thank you and grandma for taking care of our dad and making him feel loved and cared for. We know it was not an easy task.

Let us remember and honor Valden, our beloved father and a proud Navajo man who endured many challenges but always carried a warm smile on his face for friends and strangers alike. Take a moment to reflect on his strength and resilience. Let us also forever remember the comforting sound of his cowboy boots echoing down the hall, an enduring reminder of his presence in our lives. This isn’t goodbye – it’s until next time.

Thank you all for coming.