Mr. Robert Jared Johnston

was born August 7, 1988 in Bakersfield, California to parents Mike and Sally. Jared died on Saturday, August 21, 2010. He was 22 years old.

As a young boy, Jared loved the outdoors. Before he could walk, his parents took him hiking, backpacking and fishing in the Sierra’s. He loved being in the mountains with a fishing rod in his hand and a knife in his pocket. Between family outings, church youth camps, and camping trips with friends, many hours were spent throwing rocks in the water, and sitting around campfires telling stories, carving sticks, and roasting marshmallows.

Jared loved sports and was an outstanding athlete throughout his life. He enjoyed taekwondo as a young boy, and played basketball, baseball, soccer, and was a standout football player for Liberty High School. His grade school years were spent at Stockdale Christian School where the faculty and students helped mature the spiritual values and character traits he was taught at home. These early years and friendships made a lasting and positive impact on his life. Jared always loved to laugh and make other people laugh too. His childhood joy of tossing rocks into the water helped perfect his aim at tossing food at friends across the cafeteria. After high school, Jared took a few classes at Bakersfield College but soon found his passion for the outdoors hard to resist, spending his free time riding dirt bikes, fishing, and camping. Jared worked in the oil fields the last 2 years doing construction and working as a mechanic.

Jared’s final day was spent at one of his favorite places in the mountains with his girlfriend Sirena Villareal, and their two dogs Koda and Kane. He was relaxing in a creek near the top of a waterfall when he slipped and fell. He was surrounded by the beauty of the Sierra’s and the love of his girl when he left this life. Today he is with God, the creator of all beauty and perfect love.

We will never forget his smile, his laughter, his facial expressions and sound effects, his love of the outdoors both in work and in play, his heart for the underdog, his perseverance, and his independent spirit. We miss him dearly and hold firm to the knowledge we will see him again one day in heaven.

He is survived by his father Mike, mother Sally, brothers Jacob and Justin, and girlfriend Sirena Villareal; grandparents Bob and Sylvia Johnston of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Harvey (deceased) and Wyvonne Pantermuehl of New Braunfels, Texas; great-grandmother Cora Lee Cartwright of Pensacola, Florida; aunts and uncles Dave and Tracy Johnston of Brentwood, Tennessee, AnneMarie Johnston of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Wade and Cheryl Pantermuehl, Sandra and Eric Watkins, Linda Pantermuehl, all of New Braunfels, Texas; the Villareal family: parents Raymond and Terry, brother and wife Nick and Nichole, and sister Amber, all of Bakersfield; and many cousins, relatives and friends.

A memorial service was held Thursday, August 26 at Laurelglen Bible Church in Bakersfield. Pastors Phil Stangland, Terry Kirkindoll, and Pep Robey presided. The family wants to thank everyone and let them know how much their support has meant to them during this incredibly difficult time. The many prayers, cards, phone calls and hugs have exemplified what true compassion is. A special thanks to Pastors Phil, Terry and Pep, and the numerous family and friends that have been so supportive.

Memorial donations may be made in honor of Jared to R.M. Pyles Boys Camp, 27211 Henry Mayo Drive, Valencia, CA, 91355.

Jared lived, laughed, and loved. He had an incredibly generous heart. May his memory inspire you.

“The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6: 24-26.