Stacy Johnson

Stacy Vern Johnson was born on December 5th, 1958, to Robert and Arleen Johnson of Provo, Utah. He was the fifth of seven children. His eldest sibling was his favorite sister Tafta, followed by his brothers Robert, Wesley, Kerry, Todd, and Rett. After a long fight and many victories over thyroid cancer, Stacy passed away peacefully at his home on July 6th, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Bob and Arleen raised their children on Grandview Hill in Provo, keeping a small farm a few blocks away, growing all their own produce to bottle and preserve, along with tending to a few animals. If you ever got chased by a goose at the farm, consider it a rite of passage, and congratulations, you’re family now! Stacy became a master gardener after spending so much time at the family farm and helping his parents in their prolific gardens while growing up. Living most of his life in Utah County, his many neighbors, friends, and coworkers were the benefactors from his love of gardening. Near the end of summer, there was always a busy scene in his front yard and kitchen as he would bottle the bounty that he could not give to others from his garden and apple trees.

Garden bragging rights aside, his greatest achievement and biggest sense of pride were his children and grandchildren. He really loved being a Papa and supporting his grandkids. He became a fixture on the sidelines, the bleachers, the edge of a wrestling mat, and in the audience of their many sporting events, plays, and performances. He loved Nascar, and spending days at the track with his friends and family. Jimmie Johnson has never had a louder or more passionate cheerleader than Stacy.

Stacy was a proud patriot. He never took for granted being an American and enjoyed the freedom and liberties this country provides. His sincere love and appreciation for the military and first responders is unmatched. He was prouder than a peacock when his son, Wesley, made the decision to join the Marine Corps. Stacy also loved to care for other people. He always found the time to help his neighbors and friends. His generosity extended far beyond sharing vegetables and into his time, attention, and endless patience. If you knew Stacy, you knew his big heart. He was truly selfless, the first to drop everything and help anyone in need. He could never be outworked, no matter the circumstances.

There will undoubtedly be a missing piece this Christmas in the neighborhood around the “pink church” on Grandview Hill. Stacy loved to decorate for Christmas and found a way to make Clark Griswold look like an amateur. Stacy enjoyed watching the school buses slowly pass his house to let the kids admire and enjoy. Although he enjoyed Christmas, he enjoyed the joy and happiness his yard decorations brought to others even more.

Stacy is survived by his wife Esther, his son Wesley Metz (Alison), daughters Kelsi (Tristen) and Meggane (Heidi), and stepdaughters Katrina, Victoria, Danica (Daniel), Kylee, and Cierra (Ricky) along with 28 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A Papa-sized hole fills our hearts as we say goodbye to a man who loved us all so well.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel at 1555 North 1350 West, Provo, Utah. Viewings for family and friends will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State Street, Orem, Utah, and from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 15 prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Provo City Cemetery.

For those unable to attend the services they can be streamed via Facebook Live starting at noon on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/sundbergolpinfuneralhome