Harry Bradley Johnson

Went to be with the Lord on March 5, 2015. Born August 15, 1926 in Bisbee, AZ to Helen and Sterling Johnson. He was raised and educated in Tucson. Harry played football at Tucson High and was on their state championship team three years running. He joined the Air Force before continuing his education at the UA where he played football and received his BS and Masters+ in education. He started his teaching career at Mansfeld Jr. High, and continued to Tucson, Pueblo, and Sahuaro high schools. He was a teacher, coach and administrator for 34 years, retiring in 1983. During his summers he built swimming pools for Whitaker Pools and served as a park ranger in Sitgreaves National Forest. Following his career in education he worked part time for 20 years at Ace Hardware. Professionally he served early in his career on the TEA Salary Committee and Negotiation Commission. He was a past president of the AZ Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

Preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Maxine Inman, and his son, Sterling. He was married to Shirley Christopher for 21 years. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Frances (Tegarden); daughters, Elizabeth Brinkley (Douglas); Babs Johnson; and son, Chris Johnson (Jan); three granddaughters, who were very precious to him, Barbara Barnett (Kevin); Sarah Thompson (Brian); and Margret Brinkley. He loved his five beautiful great grandchildren: Caleb, Jackson, Jake, Brooke and Summer. He had many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews who were very dear to him.

Harry enjoyed woodcarving, carpentry, silversmithing, running marathons, music, cooking, hiking, golf, photography and traveling. His true passions were family and community.

He assisted in the organization and planning of all of his high school reunions including the 70th planned for this April. He was an avid UA football and basketball fan.

He served on the Tucson High Badger Foundation Board; was co-founder of the Sahuaro High Cougar Foundation, serving on its board for 23 years. He served on the Foster Care Review Board for 10 years; was associated with the Red Cross, Cancer Society and a very active member of Saguaro Christian Church.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2015, 1 p.m. at Saguaro Christian Church, 8302 E. Broadway, Tucson, AZ 85710. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sahuaro High Cougar Foundation, PO Box 18181, Tucson AZ 85731 or to Saguaro Christian Church. Arrangements by East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZ 85712.