Shelby Keith Johnson

He was born in San Francisco on May 8th, 1959.

If you know, you know…

Our “Old Baldheaded Hair Lipped Truck Mechanic” sadly has lost his battle with cancer.

In the early years he met and married his forever wife, of 47 years, Robin. Together they raised four of the most incredible kids, Danielle (Tim), Michelle (Daniel), Bethany (Jeff), and Keith (Kari). He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Keith, Matthew, Ruxin, Leul, Adey, Liam, Leila, and Bricen.

Shelby was the last man standing in his immediate family. He was preceded in death by his brother Colman (2022), his mother Virginia (2023), and most recently his sister Robin, who passed in June of this year after her own battle with cancer.

He would also tell you that he was adopted by the most amazing family, the Buechner’s who taught him that you don’t have to be blood to be related. Shelby loved them with his whole heart.

One of Shelby’s passions was to take long drives with Robin that they called their “adventures”, which could take them to the beach to see the seasons change, watching the ocean waves come and go, going to breakfast together or camping at many loved places at the Oregon coast. They loved that it would always be “us” forever and always. They worked side by side for 30 years, which always brought them a lot of joy most days! At the end of the day though they knew better than to bring “work home” and always remember to say “I Love You” before bed. Loving Shelby was the easiest thing Robin ever did.

Shelby often shared stories of his travels to Ethiopia to bring home one of his grandchildren. He had a deep love for the outdoors-camping and fishing, listening to rock and roll, tinkering in his garage, and working on cars. Shelby thrived on a challenge and loved how to make odd things work.

Shelby has worked many jobs including Stuarts Gas Station, U-Haul, River Bend, and O.D.O.T. However, his most proud adventure since 1996, with $1,200.00 in his pocket, he started Johnson Engine Service and Auto Repair.

Shelby loved his work, which took him from wrenching on cars to eventually running the business from the office. The shop was the heart of his career, and even on his rare days off, he found peace knowing that Keith and Joe-two people he trusted deeply-could run the place without a hitch.

He was the hardest-working man his family ever knew, never shying away from a task no matter how tough. Sure, it might take him a little while-but if you knew him, you knew he’d figure it out. Shelby was an honest man, always putting his customers first. As he planned for the future, his goal was to pass the torch to Keith and keep the shop’s legacy alive. Shelby’s values will live on in the way the business is run. Please know, he will always be with us as we continue this next chapter.

When Shelby was diagnosed with cancer, he knew it was going to be a fight. He reminded us daily he was determined to get better and return to his home and shop. His family never left his side, fighting alongside him until the end of his journey. If you asked him, he’d proudly tell you how blessed he felt to be surrounded by those he loved most.

He is lovingly remembered by his family and countless friends, and customers, and community members whose lives he touched over the years.

Per his wishes, there will be no formal service. But we know he loved his whiskey, so pour a drink and raise a glass to Shelby.

Please stop by the shop, say hello, and share a memory. We will miss the Big Guy at Johnson Engine Service and Auto Repair-but we’re still here for you, just as he would want us to be.