Kelvin "Kel" Ray Johnson

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kelvin Ray Johnson, who passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, at the age of 73 after a courageous journey with progressive dementia.

Born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Val and Edna Johnson, Kel graduated from Idaho Falls High School before attending Boise State University. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves.

He later devoted 35 years to the fire service, serving the Idaho Falls, Puyallup, and Chehalis Fire Departments. Rising to the rank of Fire Chief, he was respected not only for his leadership, but for his humility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to protecting both his community and his fellow firefighters.

The greatest joy of Kel's life was his family. After meeting the love of his life, Marsha Weir, they married on April 15, 1978, and shared 48 wonderful years together. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend who believed that family always came first. His gentle heart, quiet strength, incredible sense of humour, and genuine kindness left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Kel is survived by his beloved wife, Marsha; his children, Christopher Johnson and Amanda and Sune Johnson-Ahrens; bonus daughter, Heidi Kaber; his grandchildren, Kai, Gabe, Hailee, and Ollie Ray; his siblings, Mary (Glenn) Bowser, Dennis (Vicky) Johnson, Jan (Danny) Fraser, and Brett (Cathi) Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and in-law.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Shelter #1, Russell E. Freeman Park in Idaho Falls.

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On a brisk, cool September 28th in 1952, a bouncing baby boy entered the lives of Val Demont Johnson and Edna Lucille Drewes Johnson. He would be the third child born into this family of five children. He would join his older sister Mary Johnson (Bowser), older brother Dennis Johnson, younger sister Jan Johnson (Fraser), and youngest brother Brett Johnson to complete this loving family.

One could not even imagine what a kindred soul this newborn baby boy would grow up to be. The relationship he maintained with his siblings was a testament to the way he would treat others for the duration of his life.

Kelvin lived his childhood years in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He attended local public schools, and in June of 1970, he graduated from Idaho Falls High School. During his formative school years, he played baseball, football, and was an avid skier. He also had the innate ability to easily make friends/acquaintances, many of whom remained close and in contact with him for the duration of his life. After graduation, he attended college at Boise State University.

With the war raging in Vietnam in 1971, the real possibility of being drafted into the Army appeared imminent. Rather than facing the draft, his longtime friend Stan Johnson and he decided to join the United States Air Force. Following basic training, he was assigned to the Air Force Base in Minot, North Dakota. He served there with dignity for about 2 ½ years. At that point, the conflict in Vietnam had ended. He was offered and accepted the opportunity to leave the active forces but would remain in the Air Force Reserves for a period of 3 ½ years.

At this point in his life, it took a completely different turn that would change the course of his existence for the remainder of his time on earth. He moved to the Los Angeles area and began a house painting career with his cousin, Barry Johnson. (It bears noting that Kelvin and Barry were extremely close as cousins, not only as inseparable companions but also as relatives. Barry’s father was our father’s brother, and Barry’s mother was our mother’s sister. In essence, two brothers married two sisters.)

It was during this painting career that Kelvin met, fell in love with, and married the love of his life, Marsha Weir. (We jokingly say that Kelvin met Marsha when he “came out of the closet.” This was not to make any reference to an alternate lifestyle; it is simply the truth in that Kelvin was painting the closet in Marsha’s bedroom, and when he “came out of the closet,” there stood Marsha.) It appears that the infatuation was mutual. They dated, he proposed, she accepted, and on April 15, 1978, they were wed in Orange County, California.

Shortly after getting married, Kelvin’s career path “temporarily” changed directions when he applied for and was accepted to be the newest member of the Idaho Falls Fire Department (IFFD) in Idaho Falls, Idaho. His pathway through the fire service would be lengthy, honourable, and diverse.

For the large part of the next four decades, he would serve in three different fire departments. He would serve in positions of firefighter, paramedic, Captain, Division Chief, Deputy Chief, and ultimately Fire Chief. In addition to serving proudly within the confines of the fire service, he was firmly committed to emergency services, including but not limited to the provision of Emergency Medical Services, Fire Prevention Activities, but more importantly, Firefighter Safety. He used his passion, expertise, and commitment by becoming an adjunct instructor at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. As both of his brothers also served in the fire service, we shared a belief that: “The best thing an old firefighter can teach a new firefighter is how to become an OLD firefighter.”

I regress somewhat. I mentioned that his career “temporarily” changed paths when he joined the fire service. After he started working at the IFFD, he joined forces with another firefighter named Scott Criddle. Together, they started “J and C Painting.” Scott ended up leaving that company, and Kelvin’s brother Brett stepped into that business after he too joined the Idaho Falls Fire Department.

Another pastime for Kelvin was snow skiing. In addition to being an avid skier, he also served on the Ski Patrol at Kelly’s Canyon Ski Hill. Brett also served in that capacity, as did several other firefighters.

Now, let’s regress even further and talk about the most important aspect of Kelvin’s life. I’m sure he’d tell you it should be the most important part of your life as well. While career and accomplishments are important, family should take precedence over that. Kelvin was a role model of how that should play out. I’m sure he’d be the first one to tell you that: “Family supersedes Work.”

After getting married in California and accepting the IFFD job in Idaho Falls, Kel and Marsha’s attention turned to increasing their family. It started when their first child, Chris, arrived on October 26, 1980. Just a couple of years later, they welcomed their daughter Amanda into their lives on February 26, 1983.

Although this was to be the extent of biological children for their family, that did not stop them from gladly expanding their loving relationship to others. One such “quasi” adoption (or welcome) of a non-biological nature was Heidi, a friend of Amanda’s. They regularly refer to Heidi as “OD-other daughter.”

As with most families, the desire to grow is undeniable. Kelvin and Marsha were no different.

In chronological order, this is how their extended family developed:

On May 22nd, 2005, Chris provided them with their first grandson, Kai. As an addition to this side of the family, they also welcomed another grandson by the name of Gabe on June 15, 2015. Although Gabe was not biologically related to Kelvin and Marsha directly, he was a half-brother to Kai and was welcomed as one of their own. On May 15, 2019, their “quasi” adopted daughter, Heidi, provided them with yet another loving granddaughter, Hailee.

In May of 2016, Amanda met and fell in love with Sune Ahrens. On May 28, 2017, Amanda married Sune. Kelvin and Marsha had another son, and Sune had another mother and father who adored him. Life could only get better when Ollie “Ray” Johnson-Ahrens was brought into this world on July 31, 2024, to complete the family photo album. As noted, Ollie proudly carries his grandpa’s middle name, “Ray,” but will also carry on the Johnson surname as addressed.

Kelvin is preceded in death by his loving parents, grandparents, and in-laws.

Kel is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Marsha Weir Johnson of Meridian, Idaho; son Christopher Johnson of Portland, Oregon; daughter and son-in-law Amanda and Sune Johnson-Ahrens of Copenhagen, Denmark; “quasi” daughter Heidi Kaber of Whitefish, Montana; two loving dogs, Groucho and Mookie; four grandchildren; along with MANY loving relatives, including nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers, and friends.

Sisters and brothers: Mary (Glenn) Bowser from Davenport, Florida; Dennis (Vicky) Johnson from Kuna, Idaho; Jan (Danny) Fraser from Chubbuck, Idaho; and Brett (Cathi) Johnson from Idaho Falls, Idaho.

A “Celebration of Life” is scheduled for Monday, July 20, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at “Shelter #1” at Russell E. Freeman Park, 1290 Science Center Dr., in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Attendees are requested to arrive prior to the 1:00 p.m. start time, as Kelvin’s remains will arrive via a vintage fire truck. IFFD Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums will kick off the celebration, followed immediately by “Military Rites.”

The celebration will be fairly informal, with several introductory comments by his family. Then, the microphone will be open for any attendees wishing to relay any stories or comments regarding their relationship with Kelvin.

As seating again will be informal, there will be several tables available, but limited. If so inclined, attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair with them.

As temperatures are expected to be warm, water and limited refreshments will be available.

Following the conclusion of this “Celebration of Life,” an area at “Firehouse Grill” has been reserved for a “No Host” get-together beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor, Garden City. 208-853-3131