"Laurie, so sorry for the loss of Ken.... Ken, I was just thinking about you last night and went to your FB page to write you when I read your sad news. Lt. you were way to young to go my friend. But someone upstairs must have needed you more up there then down here with us. I will never forget our fishing trip to Bartlett Lake, that was the last year you were able to drive the tank pulling the boat. We didn't catch anything but a sunburn that day but we sure swapped the cop stories that day. From the first meeting you doing your bathroom remodel in 2007 to becoming great friends over the years. I will miss you my friend! I will, one day see you again on the other side! Laurie, I posted Ken's photo and story on my Police FB page. copy and paste the link below if you can't click on it. https://www.facebook.com/PoliceSpecialcom-335484068969/"
In loving memory of
Ken Johnson
Ken Johnson: January 26, 1953 - May 9, 2019
Ken Johnson, who protected his family and served Phoenix during a 30-year career as a police officer, died May 9 following a lengthy illness. He was 66. Ken spent 1975-2005 with the Phoenix Police Department, rising to the rank of lieutenant. He worked on the streets, guarded dignitaries, represented the department as a public information officer, and led the Professional Standards Bureau.
Later, Ken served as an expert witness in use-of-force cases and consulted for police departments nationwide.
Ken was born on Luke Air Force Base in 1953. He grew up in Germany; Columbus, Ga.; and various other American cities before returning to Phoenix, where he graduated from Maryvale High School in 1972.
Ken attended college as an adult, graduating magna cum laude from Arizona State University and earning a master's in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. Those diplomas were among his prized possessions.
Ken was a Phoenician to the core: He drove pickup trucks, ate fajitas (at Fajitas), relished monsoons, and watched the Diamondbacks. He fished on Lake Pleasant and Bartlett Lake, owned a boat, and appreciated the simple joys of a good carwash and a well functioning A/C unit. He advocated for do-it-yourself pest control. He installed gadgets, climbed ladders, painted houses, and fixed problems.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ray. He is survived by Laurie, his wife of nearly 46 years; daughters Cassandra Thompson (Justin) of Phoenix and San Francisco and Kim Finley (Ryan) of Tucson; seven grandchildren; and four siblings and their families.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 330 W Coral Gables Dr. in Phoenix. Interment to follow at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 23015 Cave Creek Road. Ken's family would like to thank the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition for its assistance in his final years.
Ken supported The 100 Club of Arizona, which provides financial assistance to the families of first responders who are killed in the line of duty. Donations in his memory would be appreciated.
Tributes
"My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Sending love and hugs."
"Dear Laurie, Cassandra & Kim, I am so sorry to hear that Kenny has passed away. He was such a dear cousin to me and I will always remember our great times together in the early years when we lived in Phoenix and then way to infrequently in later years after we moved to Texas. Kenny is one of the best people I have ever known. May the Lord bless and comfort each of you."
"The life and death of Ken Johnson was that of dignity, service and devotion - in just about any order. Like many others, we felt we did not spend nearly enough time with him. Thankfully, his great qualities will live on in those he loved and nurtured."
"Dear Laurie, Cass, and Kim, Ken was such a good man. It was a privelage to know him. I liked his dry sense of humor. A favorite memory is of Ken and Paul imitating Joe Cocker singing at a Valley Radiology party. Pretty funny Rest In Peace and God bless all of you"
"I met your dad at Camp Pendleton, beach camping via Steve Soha. Immediately impressed. I saw him several times over the years at various functions. Absolutely one of the most genuine people I ever met. I thought of him as a role model when I went to IA (Professional Standards). No words can relieve the pain, but a great sense of pride must be yours having such a great dad."
"I've lost a dear friend and a fishing buddy. Ken was a man who would help anyone at any time and ask nothing in return. This made Ken a "True Christian Gentleman", I will miss him deeply. Rest in Peace my friend. My prayers and thoughts go out to Laurie, Kim and Cassandra during this time of sorrow."
"KENNY I DON?T as the youngest Brother I didn?t get to see you like I wonted I New when we left Phoenix I wood never see you again but as time went on I got in trouble or maybe I planed it mom cent me to Phoenix for a time to stay with my family there for a time then Back home until I got older got married had are kids.and then me and the wife could come out as much as possible.we CHERISHED this times.WE ARE GOING TO MISS THEIS TIMES. THE LAST TIME I Saw YOU ALL I SAW WAS THE BROTHER I LOVED AND MISSED FOR SO Many YEARS I NO ONE DAY I WELL SE YOU AGEEN YOUR BABY BROTHER.LOVE YOU For Ever.......,,,,..."
"My Deepest Sympathy to all your family. May peace, comfort and good memory's always be with you...Ken will always be with you and free from his suffering...Praying for you all."
"I am so sorry for your loss. Ken was a great cousin and I know that he will be missed by everyone. RIP Ken."
"You are all in my thoughts and prayers with love and sympathy Aunt joyce and family"
"Our hearts , Love, and sympathy go out to Laurie, Cassandra, Kim and their children. May God bring them strength and peace."
"The above obituary is Ken.E. Johnson 100 percent. We have known Ken for 39 years. He was a man of integrity and compassion to his family, friends and coworkers. Ken will be missed dearly. love Nancy & Mike March"