Eric Christopher Johnson

Eric C. Johnson, 55, died April 22, 2010, in Sacramento, California. He was born June 24, 1954, in San Francisco, CA, to Walter and Jane Hoke Johnson. He graduated from El Camino High School and held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from San Francisco State University. He attended Pacific Lutheran University and played baseball. In 1992, he married Susan Schenher, formerly of Churubusco, IN, and had three sons, Ryan, Pierce, and Taylor.

Johnson joined SEARCH, a National Consortium for Justice Information and Statistics, in 1997 as a Writer/Editor. At the time of his death, he was a Justice Information Services Specialist for the Law and Policy Program. Previously, he worked in the news media, covering sporting events, including the San Francisco 49ers, trade press, public relations and government. He was a gifted writer, and more importantly, a thoughtful and decent man who gave 110 percent to his work and to his family. He could often be found at his sons’ sporting events, either as a coach or supportive parent. He had a great sense of humor, an abiding love for the San Francisco Giants, 49ers, and Golden State Warriors, a keen interest in current events, and wanted to be remembered as a man who kept a nice lawn.

In addition to his wife and sons, he is survived by his father, Walter, his brother, Lawrence, all of California, and sister, Emily (Kevin) Davis, of Washington. He will be dearly missed by his Indiana in-laws, Stan (Linda) Schenher, Jeff (Vicki) Schenher, Sally (Jim) Panyard, Curt (Dawn) Schenher, and Jack Green. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and legions of very dear friends and co-workers around the country.

A private Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, April 25, 2010, in Elk Grove, for family and close friends. A Mass will be held in July at The Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Elk Grove.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up an educational fund for the Johnson boys. Please send donations payable to Susan Johnson, 4701 Elliot Ranch Road, Elk Grove, CA 95758.

Condolences may be left on this page or by emailing the family directly: johnsfam92@gmail.com