"I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Johnson, he has been my eye doctor for over 20 years he was always so kind and patient. My condolences to his wife and children. "
In loving memory of
George Kenneth Johnson
August 18, 1951 - June 3, 2021
George Kenneth Johnson, age 69, passed away peacefully on June 3rd after a long battle with cancer. George, or "Ken" as he liked to be called, was born in Portsmouth, Ohio on August 18th, 1951. He was the only child of the late George William Johnson and Evelyn Collins Johnson. Soon after graduating high school at Portsmouth West, he and his parents relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona. Ken attended Mesa Community College and then went on to earn his Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Arizona State University. His hard work in undergraduate school paid off when he was able to receive a scholarship to attend optometry school. This is where he became Dr. Johnson.
Dr. Johnson loved his profession and practiced optometry for over 40 years. He completed his Doctor of Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton, CA. Dr. Johnson has been honored many times throughout his career including numerous President Awards from the Arizona Optometric Association and was named Optometrist of the year in 1990 and 1996. In 2004, Dr. Johnson was honored by Southern California College of Optometry as one of the top 100 individuals whose contributions, leadership or influence have nurtured and sustained the growth of the college since its inception 100 years ago.
While in optometry school, Ken met the love of his life, Socorro "Cora" Rodil de Leon. They met on a blind date in April of 1975, and were married shortly after on August 20th, 1977. Ken and Cora had two children, William de Leon Johnson born in 1994, and Christina de Leon Johnson born in 1997.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents, and survived by his wife, Cora, and two children, William and Christina.
Although Ken has passed on to the next life, he leaves behind a great legacy. He was a devoted and hard working man, who also prioritized his family over everything else. Ken was loved by everyone he met. Throughout his lifetime he never burned any bridges. His friends and family will describe him as the most loving and kind person, someone who never let judgement or prejudice cloud his mind.
There will be a celebration of life ceremony to honor Ken. This will be held at Hansen Desert Hills on Friday, June 25th, at 9:30am. 6500 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
Live stream for services: https://vimeo.com/565810107
Tributes
"Cora and family, we were able to join the virtual service and wanted let you know we are deeply saddened and sending you all our love and condolences. Ken was a wonderful person and so glad we were able to get to know you both over the years with VSP. Brent & Michele Johnson"
"We were fortunate to find Dr. Johnson more than 20 years ago when my husband was diagnosed with Keratoconus. He will be greatly missed & we will always think of him with a smile of thanks & respect. Prayers of comfort to his family, friends, staff & patients. "
"Holly Redburn Tears came to my eyes even before I opened the e-mail, I knew it was not good news. Dr. Johnson was my eye doctor for several years and he was just the best. I always felt like family when I was there, his staff is always so nice and helpful . It just won?t be the same with Dr. Johnson not there. My condolences to his family and all of his staff. We are all so blessed to have known him, truly a gift from God."
"Our deepest condolences to Cora, Christina, William, the extended family and the office staff I first met Ken when I become his CPA in 1993. He quickly became not only a business associate but our families eye doctor and a personal friend. He was a dedicated professional who cared deeply for his patients. Our family always appreciated his patience and kindness in every situation. He touched countless lives in so many special ways. He will be truly missed. Mike Davis CPA, PC, Becky and family"
"My sympathies to Dr. Johnson's family and staff. As a patient, I found him calm and reassuring every time I had a question. He was very professional and will be missed. May you have many wonderful memories to provide you comfort and peace. Jill Coughlin"
"Ken and I served together as Volunteers for the American Optometric Association and as VSP Board Members. I appreciated and admired Ken as a committee member, as an optometrist and as a friend. My daughters and I attended a Fiesta Bowl in 2014 in which Boise State, our alma mater, played Arizona in Glendale. We invited Ken to join us. It was an unusually cold winter day for Arizona, my memory says it was in the low 30's, overcast and chilly. And even though Ken was from Ohio, he definitely hated cold weather. When he picked us up at the hotel, he was wearing a heavy winter coat, mittens, a scarf and stocking cap plus he had hand warmers and warm blankets. One of my daughters said to Ken, "You know this is an indoor stadium, don't you?" Never-the-less, Ken kept his coat on throughout the entire game, even though most of us shed all of our warm clothes as the game and the crowd warmed up. We had a great time with Ken and although I talked with him on the phone several times and had dinner with him on two other occasions, I sadly have not spoken with him for a long time, and regret that I will not enjoy his company again in this lifetime. Ken was as proud of his two children as any father could be and my family and I sent our condolences to Cora, William and Christina. Randy Lee, O.D."
"We have been patients of Dr. Johnson for many years. We are very sad to hear that he has passed. I always enjoyed talking to him. He was caring and trusted. Our condolences to his family and staff."
"Dr. Johnson was our doctor since he was employed by Sears, over 30 years ago. He was loved by all those who were lucky enough to have chosen him as their doctor. To Cora and the children, our condolences for your loss."
"Dr.Johnson was our doctor for over 40 years. That says a lot when you can trust something as important as your vision to one person and the caring environment he created along with his staff. We will certainly miss his big smile and great care. Condolences to his family as well as his staff family. So sad to learn of his passing. "
"We have been patients of Dr. Johnson since we moved here 10 years ago. He was a very kind, patient man w/ his clients. We will miss him very much!! Our condolences to his family & staff!! Fran & Lois Leggett"
"I was a patient of Dr. Johnson for many years. A very caring and patient man. My condolences to the family, friends, and staff. Rest in peace, Dr Johnson"
"Dr Johnson was a life changer for us. My husband has a difficult prescription and Dr. Johnson was the only one who would hang in there with him to get it right. If we moved out of Arizona, we would travel back here to be able to keep him as our Dr. He was also a fine gentleman who we consider a friend. He will be missed. Our condolences to his family. Rick and Susan Kimsey"
"My condolences to Dr Johnson's family. He was my eye doctor for years. He always come into the room with a smile on his face. "
"Please accept my sympathy to you and your dear family at the loss of Dr. Johnson. He was a gentle and caring doctor. My condolences to you."
"My deepest condolences to Dr. Johnson's family and friends. He was my eye doctor for the last several years and his warmth and kindness will be missed. His smile says it all in the care he provided to his patients. You were a one of kind Dr. Johnson! I am better for knowing you! Vicki Kinstner"
"Comfort, Strength and Hope for right now and all the days ahead wishing you and your family strength and peace. He was my eye doctor for many years and the best. I will miss him greatly. "
"My sincere condolences to Dr. Johnson's family, who he loved so much and spoke of so fondly. He hid the severity of his illness very well. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. His care and concern for his patients was a quality rarely found. He'll be greatly missed. "
"I found Dr. Johnson about 20 years ago. It?s never a good sign when the technician excuses herself from the pre-exam and doctor walks in to see what?s on the screen. ?You have the most wrinkled corneas I?ve ever seen.? Due to ill fitting contact lenses, my corneas were not getting oxygen. Dr. Johnson worked with me for the next several months; every two weeks ordering new lenses, and slowly improving the shape of the cornea. All of this was at no charge to me. I only paid for the original appointment and my new pair of contacts. I thank him for saving my eyesight. "
"I was a patient of Dr. Johnson for many years. I will miss his sweet smile and laugh. I was so impressed with him that I had all my children see him as well, alas, bad eye sight runs in our family. My condolences go out to his wife and children, that we spoke about often during my eye exams, he was proud of his family. He was such a character. God bless him. "
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Johnson He was a wonderful Dr. and I enjoyed his personality. He had a great "bedside" manner and I always looked forward to seeing him. I will miss him My thoughts and prayers to his family and to his staff "
"I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Dr. Johnson. My two sons and I have been a patient of his for many years. We loved him and his great personality. He was the sweetest man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and office staff. "
"Carole Fuller....So sorry to hear this. He was such a caring man. Wonderful doctor, the very best. My deepest sympathy to his family. Rest In Peace Dr. Johnson. "
"Dr. Johnson supported my children at Northwest Christian School for many years through the State of Arizona tax credit system and he was also our doctor for many years. We will never forget his kindness and generosity. Kristina Gallarzo and Family"
"Dr. Johnson was one of the kindest men I have come across. I always enjoyed seeing him. He was cheerful and always had a gentle and thoughtful way of describing things. I will miss him very very much. Prayers and condolences to the family. "
"I was a patient of Dr. Johnson's for many years. I will always remember his patience with his nice drawn out, "which is better, oooooonnnne or twoooooooo". Prayers for his family."
"My thoughts and prayers go out to Cora, William and Christina at this time. May God comfort all of you and the rest of the family and his friends at this time. He was a very special doctor and man and I know he will be greatly missed now and in the days to come. Moira McSpadden"
" We hear of this untimely passing of my colleague with utter shock and with deep regrets and heavy hearts. We were totally unprepared for this tragic news; we had no idea that this beautiful human being was in such a dire state. So ,so saddened that Cora you have lost your beloved , Ken. Kathy and I wish to extend our deepest and sincerest condolences to you , Cora , your beautiful children and to all of your families. It has been way to long that we've been together professionally and personally, but we hold so many precious memories so dear to our hearts of this absolutely beautiful man and you his beloved. He was a consummate , dedicated and selfless professional in all that did and represented. You were blessed with a wonderful man , a devoted husband and father. He was a highly respected , honored and revered practitioner. He will truly be missed by all that knew him. We pray for you, your children and family to find solace and peace knowing that his legacy will live on within all of us , his patients and his dear friends. God Bless you and remember, that he will sit at the right hand of our Father with that glorious beautiful loving smile and that infectious laugh that touched us all, deeply! With our Love , Pat and Kathy Barry "
"Dr. Johnson, you will be missed. My family and I have seen you for almost 20 years - you have been our family "eye Doc". Our condolences to your family and staff at Advanced Eye Care; you will be missed. Pauline Lentowski and Family"
"I am so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. Our condolences go out to Cora and the children from Mary and me. I shared some wonderful years with Ken on the AZOA board of directors. I gained so much from Ken in that time and the following years, and I have always admired his sense of values. There were many patients that I shared in caring for with him, and they always showed so much appreciation for him. You will always be a part of me! Michael Hanley"
"You will be missed my friend! The profession of optometry and the people of Arizona have benefitted greatly because of your unselfish dedication and commitment. Your legacy will live on. "