Christopher Johnson

Christopher Mason Johnson was born on March 14, 1948, the first of five children of Frank and Flora Johnson. Chris arrived in a post WWII world at the onset of the cultural changes of the 1950s. He grew up in a loving family whose activities encompassed music, literature, building things, the out-of-doors, and most of all, laughter. The woods, fields, and backyards of the homes that bordered Seminole Road and Mona Lake became the playground he shared with his siblings, cousins, and neighborhood friends. But it was his love for the tractors and fields of his grandfathers celery farm that made the deepest impact. By his Grandpa Masons side, he developed his love for nature, the earth, and farming. This was to become an important thread weaving through his entire life. Chris graduated from Mona Shores High School in 1966 and from Grand Valley State University in 1970 with a major in Spanish. As Chris grew into a young adult, he embraced the culture of the 1960s. He cultivated his musical talents, played bass in a rock-n-roll band (Revelation 22:13) and for the remainder of his life brought this free spirit and passion for life to his music - which is one of the reasons we could never hear enough. In 1976, Chris escaped the landscape of western Michigan and moved to a remote farm in the hollows of Pleasant Shade, Tennessee. In the spirit of the back-to-the-land-movement, he dug deep into the practice and philosophy of organic and bio-dynamic farming. Chris also dove into woodworking - fine furniture, interior finish carpentry, cabinetry and even a custom spiral staircase. As in all of his endeavors, Chris brought love, passion, meticulous attention to detail, and his spirit to each. From his early years, Chris was introduced to thinking outside the box spiritually, propelling him on a life-long search for personal growth and transformation. During the 1990s, he was introduced to the Sweet Medicine SunDance Path of the Twisted Hairs of Turtle Island*. In this ancient tradition, Chris found his spiritual home. Following this awakening, he began the study, practice, and teaching of massage and Tai Chi. The combination of all these traditions allowed Chris to completely incorporate the connections between the body and spirit into his personal and professional life, supporting him through the most expansive period of his life. The greatest joy of Chris life was when he became a father late in life. He deeply loved that role, relishing every moment that he spent with his son, Clay. No detailing of Chris life would be complete without mentioning the importance that humor played in his life. From his irreverent table antics that would cause his mother to scold him even as a grown-up Christopher! Absolutely not!!, to his outrageous rendition of Feliz Navidad for his nieces and nephews, he could turn any situation into a fun time and bring a room full of people to tears of laughter. From joy all beings have come And unto joy they all return. ~ The Upanishad When he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun. ~ William Shakespeare Chris is survived by his son, Clay Swindle of Mount Juliet, TN; 2 sisters, Jennifer (Bill) Grow of Whitehall, Amy (Mike) Pascarella of Westborough, MA; 2 brothers, Jeffrey L. Johnson of North America, Timothy A. Johnson of Sutton, MA; nephews and nieces, Laura and David (Sheila) Grow, John, Matthew and Katelyn Pascarella; and BFF Birthe Johannesen. Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Flora Johnson. A Memorial Gathering will take place on Saturday, August 25, 2012 from 10:00 AM to noon, with a time of sharing at 11:00 AM at Clock Chapel in Muskegon, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Baruch Senior Ministries or Hospice of North Ottawa Communities.