Mark Randolph Johnson

Mark Johnson, 74, of Golden, Colorado, passed away on October 12, 2026, in Athens, Greece, while traveling with his beloved wife, Rosey, and his brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Janet Johnson.

Born in Denver, Colorado, on May 23, 1952, to Leonard and Ione Johnson, Mark was the youngest of three sons. His eldest brother, Larry Johnson, died in September 1968. His older brother, Doug Johnson, of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, survives him.

Mark graduated from North High School in Denver, Colorado, in 1971. Over the years, he worked in plumbing, sales, and core drilling. He spent 32 years with Colorado Drilling and Sawing before retiring in 2014.

Mark and Rosey met on a blind date in 1973. It was love at first dunk, after a double dare to jump into the deep end of a swimming pool. Their love of fun and adventure began on that first date and lasted through their final trip to Athens. Together, they made everything fun for themselves and everyone around them. Mark and Rosey were married on October 26, 1974. They welcomed their daughter, Meghan Rose, in August 1979, and their son, Paul, in May 1982.

Their family grew with the addition of Meghan and Curt’s two children, Chandler and Carter Rose. Mark loved being a grandpa and swelled with pride at all his grandchildren had accomplished.

When Chandler got his first car, he immediately drove down to show Grandpa. Their spin around a very long block became a memory Mark held close to his heart. Carter, whose love of horseback riding grew out of riding at the barn behind her grandparents home, made sure Grandpa came to the barn to watch her ride every chance she got. She is also an accomplished competitive dancer, and he loved watching her on stage.

Mark was known for “the Whistle.” Along with his duck, dove, turkey, and elk calls, he had his own kid call: the Whistle. Meg, Paul and all their friends knew that when they heard the Whistle, the kids had better come running. Whenever they needed to find him in a store or at an outdoor event, all they had to do was listen for the Whistle.

Mark and Rosey treasured their family and enjoyed retirement. They traveled to exotic places, made new friends along the way, tried new foods, and—surprise, surprise, surprise—sampled a new beer in every location.

Mark was happiest outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, gardening, or just holding court in his good ol’ garage. Two trips held a special place in his heart. The first was a dove-hunting adventure in Argentina with his brother, nephews, and friends. He loved it so much that he made a point of returning with Paul. That was the trip of a lifetime, and the two had so much fun together. Paul and his Dad shared many wonderful times, but Argentina was by far the best.

Mark loved his home. He really loved his garage. He loved his family and his friends, but most of all, he loved his Rosey. Mark’s last trip was fun until it wasn’t. He left this earth in Athens, Greece, on October 12th. Mark always bragged about Rosey being his “mule” on their adventures. Rosey “muled” him home on her lap one last time. He made us laugh so many times over the years, but this time he really did get the last laugh.

Mark and Rosey would like memorial donations made to National Jewish Hospital, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado 80206.