URGENT UPDATE: Long-time Santa Cruz resident Donald A. Johnson has passed away at the age of 100. He died peacefully at his home overlooking the Swinomish boat channel in La Conner, Washington, leaving behind a legacy as an adventurer, builder, and beloved family man.
Known affectionately as the “Most Interesting Man in the World,” Donald’s life was filled with remarkable achievements. Born on a dairy farm in Cloverdale, Oregon, in 1925, he enlisted in the Navy at just 17 and served as a Chief Gunner’s Mate in the North Pacific during World War II. His courageous service included navigating a sub-chaser through treacherous waters, earning respect from both peers and superiors.
After the war, Donald moved to Santa Cruz, where he opened the county’s first foreign car dealership and ran the Miss California Pageant. A pioneer in water sports, he became the first person to water ski across Monterey Bay. His passion for construction led him to build hundreds of homes in Santa Cruz and Berkeley, shaping the communities he loved.
But perhaps Donald’s most notable adventures were at sea. In the 1960s, he and his wife, Madeline Faller, embarked on multi-year sailing journeys, taking their young children, Alex and Anne, along for thrilling explorations through Central America, Asia, and the Caribbean. His spirit of adventure inspired many in Santa Cruz to follow their dreams, as he often advised: “Follow your dreams, my friends.”
Donald’s family will honor his incredible life with a celebration on Sunday, November 9, from 2-5 PM at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club. All who knew and loved him are invited to join in lifting a glass to his memory and reflecting on his many contributions to the community.
Join us in celebrating the life of a true adventurer and family man. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he inspired.
