Gary Johnson, a photographer and musician whose work appeared in Arizona Highways and other publications, died unexpectedly September 10 due to complications from diabetes. He was 59.
Johnson died while preparing to perform with the Prescott Opry at the Elks Theatre in Prescott. His fourth album of Western music and storytelling, One of These Days, was released three weeks before his death, according to a news release.
One of Johnson's most notable assignments for Arizona Highways was photographing the Franciscan mission at St. Michaels on the Navajo Nation. In doing so, he was able to access the mission's basement, where he discovered more than 1,700 antique plate-glass photographs of inhabitants of the Four Corners region.
The photographs date to the turn of the 20th century and were succumbing to the elements. Johnson, who at the time was an adjunct professor of photography and photojournalism at Arizona State University's west campus, helped with the rescue and preservation of the collection, which now is permanently housed at ASU.
Johnson is survived by his wife of 31 years, Pam; his mother, Florence; and his brothers, Terry and Scott. To learn more about Johnson, visit his facebook page.
A celebration of Johnson's life is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, at 10 a.m. poolside at the Smoke Tree Resort and Bungalows, 7101 E. Lincoln Drive in Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Johnson can make a donation to the American Diabetes Association.