BREAKING: Samuel Bennett Johnson, II, a cherished resident of Capitola, CA, has passed away at the age of 82 due to complications from Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy. His family announced the passing earlier today, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of a man who exemplified kindness and joy in every moment.
Sam, as he was affectionately known, was a beacon of positivity, famously responding to inquiries about his well-being with a heartfelt “Never better!” His spirit will be deeply missed by his wife of 58 years, Mary Ann Johnson, their three children, seven grandchildren, and countless friends and family members.
Born in 1942 on Coronado Island, San Diego, Sam was a self-proclaimed “beach bum.” He thrived in the ocean, enjoying activities like spearfishing and sailing. In 1960, he relocated to Wisconsin to pursue an engineering degree at UW Madison, where he met Mary Ann. The couple married in 1967 and raised their family in Wauwatosa, WI.
In 1981, Sam’s career took him back to California when he accepted a position in Livermore. He dedicated 23 years to Sandia National Laboratories before retiring at the age of 62. Retirement brought him back to the beach, where he and Mary Ann settled in Capitola, enjoying quality time with their grandchildren and engaging in various activities including golfing and rowing.
Sam was an active member of the Santa Cruz Rowing Club, where he not only rowed but later shared his expertise by teaching others how to maintain their boats. His love for fixing things, jazz, and craft beer often found him in his garage workshop, a place where he could indulge his passions.
He leaves behind his loving wife Mary Ann, children Christine Abusaidi of Angels Camp, CA and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mexico, Mike Johnson (Angela) of San Jose, CA, and Julie Longmire (Lance) of Pleasanton, CA, along with seven grandchildren: AliKhan, Arman, Amir, Nathan, Thomas, Luke, and Cooper.
The family expressed heartfelt gratitude to Santa Cruz Hospice for their compassionate care during Sam’s final days. They invite those wishing to honor his memory to consider a donation to the hospice in lieu of flowers.
As tributes pour in from all corners, Sam’s legacy of love and light will continue to resonate with all who knew him. His spirit lives on in the lives he touched, reminding us all to embrace each day with gratitude and joy.
