Joseph Lee Johnson

On May 2nd, 2026 Joseph Lee Johnson, beloved father, grandfather, educator, adventurer, and lifelong learner, passed away due to complications related to Parkinson’s Disease. Born on October 13, 1942, in Price, Utah, to Arthur and Julia “Hulda” Johnson, Lee was the youngest of five children. Throughout his life, he carried a strong sense of curiosity, humor, and pursuit of knowledge. He earned degrees from Carbon High School, the College of Eastern Utah, and Utah State University, where he completed a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre.

Lee devoted 31 years to the College of Eastern Utah retiring in 1999. During his distinguished tenure, he served many years as Chair of the Theatre Department and Division Chair for Humanities and Social Sciences. He was known not only as an educator, but as a mentor who inspired generations of students. Over the course of his career, he was a director, producer, actor, or designer of a large variety of stage plays at the Old Lyric Theatre in Logan, UT, and the Geary Theatre in Price, UT. During these years he developed and cherished many lifelong friendships.

Beyond the classroom, Lee was a pioneer of immersive education. In 1976, he founded the College of Eastern Utah Outdoor Studies Program, blending academics with adventure though backpacking and white-water river running for students. He also operated the commercial river-running company Land Escape Expeditions (L.E.E.) for 18 years focusing on the Green River and Colorado River through Desolation and Westwater Canyons. In that time, he was also fortunate to be able to navigate the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. An experience he spoke of often.

He shared a lifelong partnership with his wife, Tamara Davis, whom he married on December 17, 1966, with whom he would have celebrated a 60th anniversary this year. Together they raised two children, Kean and Bren, and built a life filled with travel, learning, lasting friendships, and golf. He was very supportive of his children, regularly attending sporting and educational events, as well as providing life-long lessons with great patience.

In 1984, the family spent two and a half months traveling throughout Europe, one of many cherished adventures. A particularly fond memory for the family was playing Trivial Pursuit over the years, where it was always everyone against him, and no one remembers anyone but him ever winning.

In 2006, Lee and Tam relocated to Sheridan, Wyoming, to be nearer to family, especially their grandchildren, while also maintaining a second home in Arizona where they spent their winters. He stayed active, curious, and engaged, finding joy in reading, traveling, and spending meaningful time with loved ones.

Lee will be remembered for his intelligence, creativity, adventurous spirit, and the profound impact he had on his students, colleagues, and family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and in the stories shared by those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Doug, Val, Carvel “Cobb”, and Gary.

He is survived by his wife, Tamara; his children, Kean (Amy Pergande) Johnson of Pueblo West, CO and Bren Johnson of San Francisco, CA; and extended family, including grandchildren Logan (Kaylee) Johnson, Arilyn (Matheu) Fortner, and great-grandchildren Killian Fortner and Bryson Johnson, all children and grandchildren of Kean and Amy, who brought him immense joy.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Westview Health Care Center and Saddle Ridge Rehabilitation Center for their care and compassion provided to Lee during his time with them.

Per Lee’s wishes there will be no services. As for this obituary we did our best to write it, but it would have been much better if he was here to do it himself.

Online condolences may be written at https://www.kanefuneral.com/. Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.