Richard Johansen obituary

ATASCADERO — Richard “Ricky” Lewis Johansen, 22, died on May 22, 2012.

Ricky was born on Jan. 8, 1990. Ricky was a delightful, generous, selfless young man who loved his family, friends and never let a day go by without showing that love to them. Ricky cherished his niece and nephews, Max, Paloma, and Anthony.

He filled his free time in the sun at Lake Nacimiento and in the sand and dust racing desert trucks. As active as he loved to be, he could never resist a soft couch and a History Channel marathon.

Ricky took the time to listen to anyone and everyone, dedicating an open heart and open ear, hearing and feeling with both. A harsh judgment was never to pass from Ricky’s lips; he emitted respect and humility, grace and acceptance.

Creativity flowed from his hands to the metal work he created, to the gardens he tended and to the notebooks of brilliant inventions he was yet to patent.

He is preceded in death by his loving grandparents, Jim and Mary Link, who met their grandson for the first time.

He is survived by parents, Rick and Susie Johansen; his siblings, Arne, Anna and Carmelo Rodriguez and Jamie and Jason Fazio; his grandparents, Bob and Anne Johansen; and his partner in love and adventure, Kelsie Lowe.

Please feel Ricky’s presence in all activities that bring you joy and his comfort in the moments of weakness as he will always be with us. Smile at a stranger, forgive a trespasser and embrace each day that we are given to share with each other.

Services will be held Sunday, May 27 at 2 p.m. at Atascadero Bible Church.

Friends and family are invited to the Atascadero Elks Lodge following the services from 4 to 6 p.m. to celebrate Ricky and share in the love he provided.

In lieu of flowers, support the Greyhound Foundation, Lighthouse Project for the Awareness, Prevention or Intervention for Addiction. Donations in memory of Ricky Johansen can be sent to P.O. Box 3120, Atascadero, CA 93423.

For the complete article see the 05-25-2012 issue.

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