Paul August Johnson

Paul August Johnson, 81, of Brentwood, California, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025. He was born on November 20, 1944, in Berkeley, California, to Reynold “Gus” August Johnson and Helen “Susie” Dorothy Johnson (Pierce).

After graduating from El Cerrito High School in 1963, Paul served honorably in the United States Army, including a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. Following his military service, he remained an active member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and The American Legion, maintaining strong bonds with fellow veterans.

Paul worked for 30 years with Caltrans, retiring as a heavy equipment operator. His work included maintaining the Carquinez, Benicia, and Antioch bridges, often by boat, a part of the job he especially enjoyed. He took great pride in his work and was well known for his friendly nature and strong connections with coworkers.

On June 20, 1970, Paul married his beloved wife, Patricia Diana Malone, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Richmond, California. Together they shared 55 years of marriage filled with unconditional love for one another, their children, and their grandsons.

Paul was a devoted family man who maintained deep and lasting connections with those he loved. He shared a lifelong kinship with his cousins and especially cherished visits during his father’s family reunions in Alvarado, Minnesota, the homestead of his Swedish grandfather. His strong connection to the outdoors was evident in his love of fishing along the shores of California, an activity he enjoyed sharing with friends and family.

Paul is survived by his wife, Pat Johnson; his daughters, Jennifer Lynn Johnson (John Holleran) and Kristin Marie Garrels (John Garrels); and his grandchildren, Connor Taylor Garrels and Hunter Ethan Garrels. He is also survived by numerous cousins who shared in his joyful spirit. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, “Gus” and “Susie” Johnson, and his brother, Kenneth Reynold Johnson.

Paul’s final resting place is at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at a later date with family and loved ones. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Paul’s memory.

All who knew and loved Paul will forever hold his memory close to their hearts. His legacy of love, resilience, and quiet strength will live on through his family and friends.