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BORN
1962
DIED
2024
Todd Johnson Obituary
Son – Brother – Friend
Todd Del Johnson entered life at Sacramento on December 12, 1962, and left it on May 18, 2024. In between he became a familiar figure on Grass Valleys Main Street, where he was a mainstay of Foothill Flowers and a stalwart of the downtown community.
Todd came to Nevada County at age three and was raised with his older sister and brother among supportive families in Cedar Ridge. His single mother, Marie Johnson, started Foothill Flowers in 1966. She instilled a strong work ethic in her children, who often walked into town after school to help in the shop.
Todd made his oldest friends at Cedar Ridge and many more at Nevada Union High School, where his determination inspired teammates on the swim team. His caring nature and respect for others made him popular and all his life he nurtured the friendships he made when young.
Friends remarked on his loyalty. As one of them said, When Todd had something to do for someone, dont get in his way. He was laser-focused on getting it done.
Todd studied ornamental horticulture at Yuba College and learned floral design, the art of flowers, from his mother. He also learned from other American Institute of Floral Design professionals who worked in the family shop. He developed a unique and clever eye for making beautiful arrangements. Friends called him Todd, the flower god.
Todd followed his mother in giving back to the community and he contributed unique arrangements to many community events. He was always aware of others, as evidenced in simple ways. The sidewalks around the shop were always swept in summer, for example, and shoveled clear of snow in winter. He was a thoughtful neighbor on Chester Street in Grass Valley.
His friends knew Todd's generosity in the flowers he brought to Easter brunch or Super Bowl or other parties. He gave leis at high school graduations. Friends remember him bringing not one but five dishes to potlucks. Everyone good?, he would ask, and he meant everyone.
In addition to his local career, Todd went to Southern California every season for over 25 years to work for Fiesta Floats in designing and assembling floats for the Pasadena Rose Parade on New Years morning. He was well known in the floral industry and served several terms as president of Northern California Teleflorist's.
In his spare time, Todd loved deep sea fishing, and after a 1999 excursion to the Sea of Cortez he came home with the nickname Tuna Slayer. He had many wonderful fishing trips to Alaska with his uncle, Sacramento attorney Carl Larson, and with friends.
Weakened in the end by a lung ailment and cancer, Todd died as gently as he had lived. Stoic till the end, Todd greeted olds friends who visited in his last days and spoke gently in his last hours about joyful times. He drifted away gently in the evening.
Todd will be interred at Greenwood Cemetery on West Main Street next to his mother and his older sister, Beth. He was predeceased by his mother, father and sister and by his Larson family uncles and aunts. He is survived by his brother, Mark Johnson, numerous cousins and too many friends to count.
A celebration of Todd's life will be held on
Sunday, June 30, 2024 at noon
at the Miners Foundry
in Nevada City
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Todd Johnson
Sandy
July 2, 2025
Miss you Todd, we shared a lifetime of memories going back to high school and especially Christmas Eve at our house. Think of you all the time.
Evelyne Lotz
July 31, 2024
What a loss...
Todd was the kindest being...
Sad to hear of his loss...
Patricia Cannedy
June 30, 2024
Todd would come to holiday dinners with his Mom, sister and brother for so many years. He was a delightful person who always wanted to help. Rest in Peace as you are among the flower in the great beyond!
Amy Kee
June 28, 2024
Until we meet again my friend!
Randy Pinto
June 19, 2024
My sincere sympathy to Mark. I did not know Todd well, but I have been told of his commitment to not only the floral community but also of his generosity to the Grass Valley community. My thoughts and prayers go out to all that love him and will miss him.
Nancy Tillotson Palmer
June 5, 2024
Such a loss! I can't remember a time when I didn't know Todd Johnson. Our friendship goes back to Union Hill Elementary. He was such a talent in floral design and loved his community. Todd, you are missed!
Holly Fike
June 4, 2024
We miss seeing you for you cup of coffee, extra room for cream, in the mornings. Thanks for always having a smile and a kind word.
Debora E. Chapman
June 1, 2024
ALWAYS a bright loving spot in any day you saw him. Our community will miss him deeply!
Jeff Leiter
June 1, 2024
Dear Mark and Johnson family. I have known Todd since I moved up here over twenty years ago. I am a nut for beautiful flowers and have used Foothill Flowers ever since. I also appreciate that they always donate arrangements for MIM and InConcert Seirra performances! LOVE and Sympathy to all. JEFF Leiter
Larry and Mary Noble
June 1, 2024
Todd, we will always remember your love and smiling face. We always thought of all of you as family. You will be missed. Love you. Larry and Mary Noble and family. Hug Cindy for us. Mark. We are praying for you.
Patty E
June 1, 2024
Go Penguins! Todd is always in my memories when thinking back to our high school swimming days. You´re bright eyes and exuberance when sharing the news. You were a great asset to this community. I will miss seeing you around.
Cindy Kennard
May 31, 2024
Todd was such a kind and beautiful soul.
Nicole Gowey
May 30, 2024
Todd was a part of our family since before I was born and will be dearly missed. I always waited for his arrival on Christmas Eve for our Ukrainian dinner feast and of course he always brought beautiful flowers. For the gift game he would bring a beautiful ornament candy dish full of candy and I am lucky to have ended up with one and will cherish it. I will miss going to see Todd and the big Christmas tree at Cornish Christmas and dancing at the Nevada County Fair. Forever in my heart love you Todd, say hi to Grandma, Grandpa, Tom, Norm and Henry for me.
My condolences to Mark.
Sandy Jenkins
May 30, 2024
Todd has been my friend for over 40 years. We met in high school, hung out and spent time together for 4 decades. He is uncle Todd, my brother from another, and loved dearly by My family. Christmas Eve dinners, birthdays, celebrations will have an empty seat because our Todd will no longer be among us. I love you Buddy, friend. Forever you will be called "family". Gone too soon. Love your Sandy
Annabelle Robbins
May 30, 2024
Gone way too soon. Sorry to read this.
Kristen Marin Mergler
May 30, 2024
Too many words to put down. So I hope you are up there having your Jimboys tacos and with your mom, sister and all those who are up there in heaven greeting you!
Scott ashley
May 30, 2024
Todd i meet you in band class and you kept running errands for mr. Amore. I grew to respect you and considered a friend. Rest in peace buddy. You will be missed for sure.
Annabelle Robbins
May 30, 2024
Great guy gone way too soon!
Lori Mcintire
May 30, 2024
You were one of my favorite people you were the kindest sweetest, most loving, gentle, loyal, passionate buddies, and friends, and you are going to be missed so much. We love you Todd kiss your mama for me.
Steve Hunt
May 30, 2024
I knew the Johnson family growing up in Cedar Ridge many years ago.
A wonderful family that gave so much to the community!
Todd you will be forever missed my friend !
Back with mom and Beth now !
Steve Hunt ( your Brunswick drive family in Cedar Ridge)
Ann Schwartz
May 30, 2024
Todd was always kind, helpful and cheerful. He will be missed.
Debbie Miller
May 30, 2024
Always thoughtful, always kind and always so very loyal. What a legacy you have left to your community. Cheers my friend.
Phil Carville
May 30, 2024
Todd was a wonderful person. It was a pleasure to have known him. He will be missed by some many people. RIP, Todd. Thanks for being who you were.
SandyLee Quinn
May 30, 2024
I have no doubt that Todd will share his Lovelight as generously from the ethers as he did on earth. He truly was a wonderful human and so kind to me. Thank you for writing this beautiful memory.
SandyLee
Sue Williams
May 30, 2024
We miss you Todd- so enjoyed being your work neighbor. Always a smile and a positive word! We are thinking of you Mark. We are here to help you - just let us know!
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