William Johnson

William “Bill” Ray Johnson passed away on February 11, 2025, near his home in Chula Vista, California, where he resided for 55 years. Born on October 21, 1944, to Dr. Roland B. and JoAnn Johnson, Bill was raised in Luverne, Minnesota, where his active imagination and adventurous spirit first took shape.

After graduating from Luverne High School, he attended Saint Mary’s College at Winona and South Dakota State University at Brookings, excelling as a competitor on the pistol team. In 1967, he married the love of his life, Sandra “Sandi” Block. Shortly after, Bill was accepted into Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California. The couple packed up their Corvair and embarked on a new adventure out west.

While earning his Bachelor of Professional Arts degree at Brooks, Bill worked at the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department as a photographer, crime scene investigator, and deputy sheriff. After graduation, he and Sandi welcomed their son, Eric William Johnson. In 1973, a friend’s tip led the young family to Chula Vista, where Bill interviewed and was hired as an Evidence Technician by the Chula Vista Police Department. His dedication to learning and self-improvement led him to train at the FBI Academy and earn two master’s degrees–one in Forensic Sciences from National University and another in Human Resources Management from Chapman University. Over a distinguished 34-year career as Crime Laboratory Manager, he transformed the crime lab, overseeing its growth and modernization.

Bill was also a respected educator, teaching at the Southwestern College Police Academy and in the Criminal Justice Program at National University. His love for knowledge was matched by his pursuit of perfection, which he applied to all aspects of his life. He was an exceptional photographer, an avid hiker, a harmonica enthusiast, a supportive father, and a proud grandpa.

In 2004, Bill suffered the loss of his wife, Sandi. Three years later, he retired from CVPD. Retirement ushered in a new era of adventure–traveling to destinations like Costa Rica and the Caribbean island of Saba, embarking on “Photo Safaris,” and participating in harmonica festivals.

Bill is survived by his son Eric, daughter-in-law Tiffany, grandchildren Nina and Julian, and sisters Jean Riendeau, Joyce Luedke, Trish Johnson, Mari Johnson, Carisa Kuntz (Matthew), and their mother, Patt C. Johnson. His legacy of excellence, physical and intellectual adventure, meticulous attention to detail, and love for family and friends will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 9th, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Glen Abbey’s Chapel of the Roses, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902. A Celebration of Life reception will follow at the Orchid Pavilion from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be available via livestream at memoryafilms.com/wjohnson

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund or the American Cancer Society in Bill’s honor.