William 'Bill' Johnson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Memorial services for WILLIAM H. JOHNSON, 77, will be held at 2pm Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at the Colyer Funeral Home Chapel. Bill died June 28, 2022 at Torrington Community Hospital and cremation has taken place. Arrangements are by the Colyer Funeral Home and condolences may be sent to www.colyerfuneralhome.com. ‘Bill’ was born in Chadron NE, July 27, 1944. the son of Elmer H. Johnson and Louise (Russell) Johnson. Growing up Bill lettered in track and football at St. Patrick’s Catholic School in Chadron, Nebraska. A hard worker and always putting family first, Bill left high school early to help support his family. First working at Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota. He didn’t particularly like “traveling to hell” in the mines as he recounted to his children, so at 17 he become a brakeman with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad in Belle Fouche, South Dakota. Later he moved to Torrington, Wyoming, working on the Union Pacific Railroad. Overall he stayed a railroad man for 42 years, “working all the live long day”, as he’d say. Never a slacker, Bill found time to earn his GED at Eastern Wyoming College. Being the humble person he was, this fact was unknown to his children until after his death. Bill enjoyed life to the fullest and had many hobbies, even roller skating in his younger years! He spent a lot of his time driving and riding. He had the pleasure of owning several classic cars including a 49’ Mercury, 55’ Chevy, 73’ Opal GT, and an original Indian Motorcycle. He was an avid hunter, fisher, and general outdoors man his entire life. In 1976 Bill married Loretta Tope, joining their families. They continued living life to the fullest together with dancing, touring on their Goldwing motorcycles, crafting, camping, hunting, fishing, and growing their family. Bill was a member of the Goldwing Riders Association for several decades, traveling through 18 of the states on 2 (or 3) wheels. He didn’t limit his riding to just motorcycles either. When it was snowing and he couldn’t ride his motorcycle, you could often find him riding a dogsled pulled by his team of Malamutes (and occasionally being dragged behind it). Bill was a wonderful and attentive husband, friend, father, and grandfather with an infamous sense of humor. He loved spending time with his family first and foremost. He shared his interests and hobbies with his family, along the way cultivating his children’s and grandchildren’s love of those interests and hobbies. Particularly, his love of cars and motorcycles, hunting and guns, fishing, and camping. Bill’s favorite way to vacation was camping with family. Some of his family’s favorite memories were made during their frequent camping trips. Though the kids often questioned his camping culinary skills and his ‘Dad jokes’ were nearly unbearable, he always made sure everyone had a great time. Ever having the passion for the outdoors, he even started attending mountain man rendezvouses later in life. His sense of humor earning him the camp name of ‘Old Dog’ and making him many friends. Bill was a beloved father, friend, and confidante. He was wise, giving abundant advice anytime or if needed just being a patient listener. His sense of humor was legendary, never faltered, and persisted until the end. Even though we know he will be watching over us, there is a cavernous void left in our hearts. Bill, Dad, Grandpa… we love and miss you always. Bill is survived by his wife, Loretta, and children: Bill ‘Billy’ H. Johnson Jr. (Lori), Tanya Johnson, Robert Johnson (Arlee), and Derek Johnson (Kelly); his grandchildren: Ann, Darr (Melia), Shanae, Bradley (Sarah), Lacey (Josh), Gunner, and Hannah (Shawn); and great-grandchildren: Skyla, Brooklyn, Bexley, Riley, Leighton, Chloe, Shelby, Jemma, and Brian. As well as multiple nieces, nephews, family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, two brothers, and one son, Tyler.

William 'Bill' Johnson

July 27, 1944 - June 28, 2022