Evertt Leroy Johnson

Everett Johnson

Hatch, Utah

Everett Leroy Johnson of Hatch, Utah, age 82, passed away peacefully at his home on May 28, 2020, with his wife Laetitia "Tish" Johnson, children, grandchildren, and friends by his side. He was born October 27, 1937, in Anaheim, CA to Charles and Alta Leonard Johnson.

A long-time resident of Hatch, Everett was loved for his good nature, great sense of humor and wonderful story-telling talents. He was a genuinely kind man who would lend a helping hand to anyone. His granddaughters called him their "personal Santa Claus" for whenever they came to visit, no matter the time of year, he put his Santa hat on for photos with them. He was fun to be around and hugging him goodbye usually included, "Glad you got to see me!" A person simply could not be anything but happy around this man. Everett was never without his white cowboy hat and six-shooter on his hip. He was a picture of the Old West and used to say to his dad, "You had me in the wrong century," whereupon Charlie would answer, "But I wasn’t there yet!" Everett represented the best of the pioneer spirit and was truly larger than life itself.

While Everett was born and grew up in California, he had strong family roots in Utah. He spent every summer as a child hunting, fishing, and exploring the outdoors in Price with his mother’s family, who all hailed from Price. Every year, they traveled through Hatch to Price and Everett fell in love with Hatch and Southwest Utah. In the late 60s, his parents acquired property in Old Town Hatch.

Everett worked as a heavy equipment operator building freeways and housing developments. He also served three years in the army. Everett ultimately bought some land near his parents’ property in Hatch and retired there in 1982. His parents moved to their property in Hatch to join him a few years later.

It was while helping his parents sell their property in California that Everett met Tish in 1991. Tish was an escrow officer and Everett’s realtor set them up on a blind date. They fell in love and Tish eventually moved to Hatch, where she and Everett spent time together hunting, fishing, walking, and exploring the surrounding countryside. One of Everett’s passions was riding his ATV with his dogs. He was a long-time member of Garfield County Search and Rescue and participated in many search and rescue operations.

Everett is survived by his wife Tish; children: Charles Johnson, Robert Sanford (Joanna), and Janet Eckert (Ron); grandchildren Kendall, Kelsie, Haley, and Rebecca; nephews Michael and Steven Johnson; cousins Arland and Marie Leonard of Price, UT. Everett is also survived by granddaughter Cassandra and husband Rick Unruh, who blessed Everett with 2 great-grandsons and another great-grandson due in the Fall, to be named after Everett.

He was preceded in death by daughter Eve Haley, brother Raymond, and his parents.

Cremation services have taken place. Graveside services will be held Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the Hatch Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary,.com