Leander Johnson

In loving memory of our beloved father, brother, grandpa, uncle and friend. Leander was born August 16, 1955 in San Carlos, Arizona. He was the 3rd child of late Harrison Johnson and late Zina Goseyun Johnson. He is survived by his siblings Darlene, Serena, Saralyn, Hilda, Rosalie, Vernadell, Velda and the late Patrick Johnson Sr. and Wanda Grimes. He grew up in Bylas, Arizona and attended school at Fort Thomas elementary and Jr. and Sr. High school. He graduated on May 16, 1974. His hobbies were being artistic, playing basketball, fishing, picking acorn, having cookouts, being with his kids and grandkids and visiting with his siblings and friends.

October 1st, 1978, he married Karen Bylas. They were married for 27 years. Together they lived in Thatcher and Morenci. Leander was employed with BIA Forestry, Phelps Dodge, Ferrins Roofing, Apache Gold Casino and San Carlos Indian Hospital. They had 4 children which he loved and provided for. Leander is survived by his 4 children Karena, Harrelson, Leander Jr. and Laurisa Johnson all of Bylas. His grandkids Devin Johnson, Jordan Juan, Lebron Juan, Tramaine Juan, Jamal Juan, Aaliyah Abelando, Iversin Nelson, Layla Nelson, Tyra Nelson, Evander Johnson, KeShawn Johnson. He also had 3 great grandchildren Noah Johnson, Daneila Johnson and Zylin Kniffin.

One of his greatest memories and accomplishments was when he had the privilege to play basketball inside McKale Center in Tucson, AZ in 1974. It was a live broadcast on television. Unfortunately they had lost to McNary. I'm pretty sure the whole town of Bylas was tuned in watching on their television. It was definitely an experience to remember since they were the only game that was broadcasted. And that plays a huge part of how he became a U of A fan. Leander also had a band of his own in his younger years. The band consisted of family members and friends. They would play live music in the evening hours in a shade house next to his home. His latest companion was ROZ, Rose Grimes, whom he loved and adored very much.

Leander was a kind, loving and humble man. He enjoyed the company of his family, especially his grandkids. Although he had problems of his own, he went out of his way to make sure others were taken care of. He will definitely be missed by all.