Larry Neil Johnson, 80, of Saratoga Springs, Utah, passed away March 8, 2024, at his home in Saratoga Springs. Larry was born December 16, 1943 in Portland, Oregon to Lloyd Gottfrid and Velma Mae Floriene (Littlefield) Johnson.

At the age of 15, Larry met the love of his life, Shirley, in a movie theater lobby. From that point on, they were inseparable. The high school sweethearts married in 1962 and shared 64 years together. With every interaction, it was without question that their love not only lasted, but flourished over time. They were blessed with six children: Lisa, Blake, Brooke, Griffin, Barbara, and Rod. He also had a dear friend in Macarena Fragoso who lived with the family as an exchange student who he considered a daughter. Larry's world entirely revolved around his family.

In 1970, Larry graduated from Portland State University with a degree in mechanical engineering. To ensure his young family was supported, Larry attended night school while working in a paper mill during the day. Following graduation, he became a professional engineer and spent a successful career in technical sales in the pulp and paper industry, later starting his own company, PrimEquip Group, Inc.

From a young age, Larry developed a love of cars, modifying nearly every vehicle he touched. Even as a teenager, he chromed the wheels on his Vespa. In his adult years, he built several classic cars, including an award-winning Cobra, and served as president of the Oregon Cobra club. His garage was never without a vintage car. His engineering background and passion for cars led him to design the custom-made "Serpent Express" trailer, which sold across the country to sports car enthusiasts.

He cherished playing an active role in the community and helping enact changes for the better. As a young father in Oregon, he was elected to the school board and eventually served as chairman of the board. In Saratoga Springs, he was elected president of the HOA.

Larry always left everyone and everything better than he found them. He jumped at every opportunity to serve others. When visitors parked in his driveway, you would almost certainly see Larry outside in his signature white pants, washing their cars. A project would not be unfinished for long whenever Larry was visiting.

Larry treasured his opportunities to serve in his church. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served on multiple bishoprics over the years and worked in the temple several times a week. He eagerly awaited the temple opening closer to his house in Saratoga Springs. His love of God was an undeniable guiding force in his life.

Larry was the quintessential family man. His life was dedicated to family. His boat was pushed to its limit with the countless hours logged on family boat trips. When there was an opportunity to support one of the kids or grandkids, Larry and Shirley could be counted on to be there, regardless of the hours it took to drive. When at home, he could often be found solving a puzzle or playing a board game with loved ones. His success in business translated (a little too well) to his success in Monopoly. Family was everything to Larry, and he ensured every moment was filled with love and witty one-liners.

He was renowned for his love of ice cream and was always first to kickstart the conversation with a "Shirley, people are talking about dessert." No matter the time of day, the shake machines at the local In-N-Out needed to be primed for his (very likely) visit.

Together, with Shirley, they created a space where everyone felt at home. Larry loved deeply, and we are all the better for it. He was a hero among men, and he will be missed more than words can convey. As he would always say, "We'll see you in the celestial kingdom, if not sooner."

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, his six children, Lisa Johnson, Blake (Trisha) Johnson, Brooke (Jeff) Enos, Griffin (Susan) Johnson, Barbara (Terence) Saluone, Rod Johnson, 21 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, sister Valerie (Norman) Jensen, step-brother Ralph (Betty) Smallen, and many dear friends and extended family members. Larry was predeceased by his father Lloyd Johnson, mother Velma Littlefield, step-mother Eola Poindexter, sister Jeanene (Borue) O'Brien, brother Lowell (Gwen) Johnson, step-sister Roberta (Hal) Schmechel, and step-brother Bill (Valerie) Smallen.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, March 15, 2024 at his church building, 49 E. Centennial Blvd., Saratoga Springs, UT 84045. A visitation will be held at 9:00 AM. All are welcome to join us as we remember, honor, and celebrate Larry's life and legacy.

A live broadcast of the service will be available at
https://bthr.live/e/larry-johnson/