BOUNTIFUL—Joe Johnson had a big personality that filled every room he entered. He was all about service and love for others. The former mayor of Bountiful passed away June 9 after a fall. He was 80. He served as mayor from 2002 to 2013.

“Joe was always present and energetic,” said Bountiful City Manager, Gary Hill. “He cared deeply about the city and people. I would see him driving through town with his snowplow to help others.”

He was very much a people person, Hill said. “He’d stop by with donuts to say ‘hello.’ He worked at having a relationship with other cities which was important. His focus wasn’t just on Bountiful but for the broader community.”

Joe spearheaded the creation of the South Davis Recreation Center, he said. “He worked with other mayors to come up with solutions.”

He also helped with the creation of the South Davis Metro Fire District, said Hill. “At the time Bountiful had its own fire department. This was a solution for better fire protection and paramedic service here in this end (of the county). 

“Joe loved people and it showed,” said Beth Holbrook, UTA Board of Trustees, who served with Joe on the city council for five years. “He was supportive to me personally and professionally. He was kind to my kids and we’d go to his house to play games. He loved games.”

Holbrook said he inspired her to run for president of the League of Cities and Towns. “It was a great way to have a discussion on a local level and hear what Bountiful is doing and hear what other communities are doing.” 

Anytime the league met in Washington, D.C. Holbrook said they’d talk about what Bountiful was doing here. “We all have different backgrounds and perspectives but it gave us the opportunity to engage. You really feel like you’re important to the conversation. That really transcends.”

When the recession hit in 2008 there was massive uncertainty, she said. “Joe wanted to give residents something fun to do. We started the concerts in the park. It was a really great thing. Mayor Joe spearheaded that. We were trying to be thoughtful about expenses but give the residents something they could enjoy.”

The council was talking about a Town Square when Joe was mayor, said Holbrook. “His vision culminated into what we have now. It’s that revitalization that adds value.” 

Johnson graduated from Bountiful High School and played basketball there. He later became a coach at the school. After high school Johnson was recruited by Weber State University. He played there until he left to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When he returned he met his wife LaVon.

“You can’t talk about Joe without his LaVon,” said Hill. “They matched each other step for step. LaVon had energy and kindness. They were a wonderful couple. I don’t know how they found the time to do everything.”

“Joe led a life of service,” said retired City Recorder, Shawna Andrus who served with Johnson for two out of his three terms. “He was a bishop, stake president and a mission president.”

When he and LaVon were engaged he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease and given three years to live, Andrus said. “He asked LaVon if she wanted out. Obviously she didn’t get out. I think that diagnosis changed his life and the things he’s done.”

“Mayor Joe had a huge presence with a bellowing laugh and was everyone’s friend,” said Bountiful Mayor Kendalyn Harris. “He was active as a substitute teacher in junior high schools. He loved people. He was a dedicated father and grandpa who loved attending all his kids’ and grandkids’ events.”

Harris said she is grateful for his bold leadership in the city. “His and others' planning makes it a better place for all of us today.”

“I loved him and LaVon so much,” said Holbrook. “They made me feel so good. That’s the best thing I’ll remember about them.” 

He will be missed terribly, said Andrus. “It leaves a huge void with his passing.”