It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Jeff Johnson on April 16, 2021 after a long bout with illness. Jeff was born in Portland Maine September 23rd 1958 where he spent his first 20 years.
He is survived by his beautiful wife Robin Johnson, their two sons Mathew and Kyle, his brother Wally Johnson, Kim Reale (Sister-in-law) his daughter Kirby, Anthony (Son-in-law) and his two grandchildren Nola and Lucca.
Jeff started his career in lighting in 1977 and spent his first seven years touring with the Ice Capades as Lighting Designer and Director.
In 1988 Jeff moved to Los Angeles which later provided an opportunity to work with Siegfried & Roy. Eventually Jeff became the Lighting Director for the Siegfried & Roy Tsumura World Tour. Robin and Jeff met and fell love on that very tour. After the tour Jeff and Robin returned to Las Vegas to open Siegfried & Roy’s new show at The Mirage.
Jeff designed lighting for Cher for nearly ten years and earned two Technical Emmy nominations. He also worked on other touring projects including Pat Benatar, Laura Brannigan, REO Speedwagon, Fleetwood Mac, Diana Ross, Madonna, Gino Vanelli, and many more. He went on to designing large special events for some of the major hotels here in Las Vegas.
In 2007 Jeff accepted a position heading up the lighting department for MGM Grand Productions where he continued to focus on corporate clients coming to the MGM Conference Center as well as dealing with all the in-house events throughout the property.
Jeff soon joined Christie Lites in 2011 as a CL Rental Rep and was responsible for bringing one of Christie Lites longest-running continuous tours to the table, UFC.
Jeff and Robin have lived in Las Vegas for well over twenty-five years and shared their home with their two boys. Jeff’s daughter Kirby and Son-Law Anthony reside in Maine.
Jeff made a great impact on the entertainment community and will be greatly missed by many. If you ever passed the Johnson’s house during the Christmas Holidays you would see quite an impressive lighting show. Jeff loved to cook for his friends and family…and he was best known for his tasty hot chicken wings!
Rest in peace Jeff…we’ll keep the lights on!
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18