Rayden Johnson
May 23, 1945 – April 4, 2025
Rayden Kaye “RJ” Johnson, 79, of Sweet Home, died at his home April 4, 2025.
He was born May 23, 1945, in Sturgis, S.D.
His beloved wife of 59 years, Lauradell, was by his side.
Rayden moved to Sweet Home at age 5 and remained a lifelong resident. He graduated from Sweet Home High School and attended Linn-Benton Community College. After working briefly as a draftsman, he spent the bulk of his career at Willamette Industries (later Weyerhaeuser), retiring in 2007.
He was an active member of the Santiam Four-Wheel Drive Club, Search and Rescue, and the Green Peter ATV Club. Along with family and club members, he helped launch the Foster Lake Mud Flat Races, a popular annual event in Sweet Home.
A proud union member, Rayden was deeply committed to his work and community.
Rayden loved the outdoors – camping, hunting, fishing, and off-roading in his iconic hi-boy Ford with 44-inch tires. He especially enjoyed ATV rides on the Oregon Dunes and dubbed himself “King of the Mountain.”
After retirement, he traveled the country in his RV, visiting friends, family, and 19 national parks with his grandsons.
A hands-on problem solver, Rayden was always ready to help – whether fixing cars, restoring homes, or supporting loved ones with projects.
His warmth and humor were legendary; he had a knack for making people smile, often using his trademark photo cue, “not cheese.” After becoming a grandfather, many fondly knew him as “Papa.”
He is survived by his wife, Lauradell; son Jeffery (Carol); two grandsons and their wives; siblings Harvey (Sharon) Johnson, Owen Johnson, Una Crowell, Marla Pruitt, and Nancy (Don) Frick; sister-in-law Sue Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by two siblings, Waldo Johnson (1967) and Rodger Johnson (2008), and brother-in-laws Mike Crowell and Richard Pruitt.
A celebration of Rayden’s life will be held in Sweet Home on June 7, 2025, details to follow.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.