BREAKING: Samuel Bennett Johnson, II, a cherished member of the Capitola, CA community, has passed away at the age of 82 due to complications from Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy. This urgent news comes as friends and family remember a man whose positivity and passion for life touched countless lives.
Johnson, known for his infectious optimism, would respond to a simple “How are you?” with a heartfelt “Never better!” His profound impact is felt deeply by his wife of 58 years, Mary Ann Johnson, along with their three children and seven grandchildren.
Born in 1942 on Coronado Island, San Diego, Sam was a self-proclaimed “beach bum.” He spent his early years embracing the ocean through spearfishing, body surfing, and sailing at La Jolla Shores. In 1960, he relocated to Wisconsin with his family, where he pursued an engineering degree at UW Madison. It was there that he met Mary Ann Schanen, the love of his life, and they married in 1967.
The Johnson family flourished in Wauwatosa, WI, but Sam’s heart remained in California. In 1981, he accepted a job in Livermore, CA, and eventually moved to Pleasanton, where he dedicated 23 years to Sandia National Laboratories before retiring at 62.
In retirement, Sam returned to his beach roots, purchasing a home overlooking New Brighton Beach in Capitola. His life became filled with family camping trips, beach outings with grandchildren, and a shared passion for rowing with Mary Ann at the Santa Cruz Rowing Club. Their commitment to health and fitness strengthened their bond, and Sam later contributed to the club by teaching fellow rowers about boat rigging and repairs.
Sam was a natural engineer, spending countless hours in his garage workshop, where he enjoyed “puttering” and “tinkering.” His love for fixing things, coupled with his appreciation for jazz and beer, defined his daily routine.
Survived by his wife Mary Ann and children, Christine Abusaidi, Mike Johnson, and Julie Longmire, along with grandchildren AliKhan, Arman, Amir, Nathan, Thomas, Luke, and Cooper, Sam’s legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him. The family expresses gratitude to Santa Cruz Hospice for their compassionate care during this time.
As we mourn the loss of this remarkable man, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice in Sam’s memory. His spirit will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of all he touched.
This developing story reflects the profound human impact of Sam’s life, and we encourage readers to share their memories and condolences.
