Patrick Johnson

Patrick Augustus Johnson, 83, died peacefully on December 3, 2023, in Loveland, Colorado at Riverbend Health Center. Patrick was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Despite the effects of the disease, Patrick always remained joyful and kind. His loved ones are especially thankful for the attention, love, and care provided by his spouse and lifelong companion, Linda. Patrick was born in Colorado Springs, on March 16, 1940, the son of Gabriel Joseph and Alvina (Boucher) Johnson. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Anthony G. Johnson, and his two older sisters, Mildred "Millie" Stanley, and Josephine Matthewson. Most of Patrick's life was lived in Colorado Springs, but for the last eight years, when he and Linda retired to Fort Collins, Colorado.

In 1958, Patrick graduated from Colorado Springs High School, where he played football and won the state championship. During these formative years, Patrick was active in Young Life. This connection led Patrick to Central State College in Oklahoma where he earned a B.A. in Sociology. He then attended Princeton Theological Seminary. Patrick came to recognize his passion for teaching. He then earned a Colorado Teacher's Certificate from The Colorado College, and later earned his M.A. in History from the University of California at Riverside. On June 12, 1964, Patrick married Linda Billingsley, daughter of Dr. Lindsey Billingsley, and Majel (Pitts) Billingsley. Following three years of teaching in California, and the birth of their first daughter, Gretchen, they returned to Colorado. After a year's stay in Norwood, Colorado, they returned to Colorado Springs where Patrick took a high school teaching position in Air Academy School District 20, and their second daughter, Erin, was born. Patrick was a beloved and creative teacher and coach. He was active in the teachers' union, an outspoken advocate for civil rights, and committed to helping those less fortunate. He retired from teaching in 1995. In 1983, Patrick and Linda purchased a costume rental business which they called Ivywild Costumes, named for the historic neighborhood in Colorado Springs where it was located. Together, they enjoyed owning that business for thirty-two years.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Linda, daughters, Gretchen Watson (Chuck) and their three daughters, Claire, Emma, Madeline Watson, and Erin Connor (Thomas) and their two sons, Joseph and Jayce Connor. Also fondly remembering Patrick is his niece, Holly Fischer (Kurt), and their two daughters Elizabeth and Mallory, and now a grand-nephew, Gene. Patrick also has many nieces and nephews in California, the children of his sister, Josephine Matthewson. Patrick's brother-in-law, Carl Billingsley, and Carl's extended family were very dear to Patrick. He valued their friendship, and that of his teacher colleagues, chess partners, and many lifelong friends as the best of life.

A memorial service for Patrick will be held at Evergreen Cemetery Chapel, 1005 Hancock Expressway in Colorado Springs, at 1 pm, Friday, January 5, 2024, followed by the interment of his remains in the Evergreen Cremation Garden at 2 o'clock. The reception will begin at 3 PM at Ivywild School (now an event venue) at 1604 S Cascade Avenue in Colorado Springs. In place of flowers, Patrick would appreciate your donation to the UNICEF fund , in collaboration with Lawrence O'Donnell of MSNBC, in providing school desks for the children of Malawi, Africa. To do so, go to https://www.unicefusa.org and indicate K.I.N.D. (Kids In Need of Desks), or to LastWordDesks.msnbc.com.