Rayden Kaye “RJ” Johnson, born May 23, 1945, in Sturgis, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at home on April 4, 2025, at the age of 79. His beloved wife of 59 years, Lauradell, was by his side.

Rayden moved to Sweet Home at age five and remained a lifelong resident. He graduated from Sweet Home High School and attended Linn-Benton Community College. After working briefly as a draftsman, he spent the bulk of his career at Willamette Industries (later Weyerhaeuser), retiring in 2007.

He was an active member of the Santiam Four-Wheel Drive Club, Search and Rescue, and the Green Peter ATV Club. Along with family and club members, he helped launch the Foster Lake Mud Flat Races, a popular annual event in Sweet Home. A proud union member, Rayden was deeply committed to his work and community.

Rayden loved the outdoors—camping, hunting, fishing, and off-roading in his iconic hi-boy Ford with 44” tires. He especially enjoyed ATV rides on the Oregon Dunes and dubbed himself “King of the Mountain.” After retirement, he traveled the country in his RV, visiting friends, family, and 19 National Parks with his grandsons.

A hands-on problem-solver, Rayden was always ready to help—whether fixing cars, restoring homes, or supporting loved ones with projects. His warmth and humor were legendary; he had a knack for making people smile, often using his trademark photo cue, “not cheese.” After becoming a grandfather, many fondly knew him as “Papa.”

He is survived by his wife Lauradell: son Jeffery (Carol), grandsons Campbell (Kylah) and Zachary (Giovanna), siblings: Harvey (Sharon) Johnson, Owen Johnson, Una Crowell, Marla Pruitt, Nancy (Don) Frick, and sister-in-law Sue Johnson and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He is preceded in death by two siblings, Waldo Johnson (1967) and Rodger Johnson (2008), brother-in-law Mike Crowell and brother-in-law Richard Pruitt. A celebration of Rayden’s life will be 11 am, Saturday, June 7th at the Boy’s and Girl’s Club, 1890 18th Ave. Sweet Home.