L.R. “Bud” Johnson

    L.R. “Bud” Johnson, 76, of Winslow, passed away surrounded by family and friends on Dec. 8, in Winslow.
   Bud was born on June 15, 1933, in Spruce Hill, Minn., to Clifford and Ruth (Sheppard) Johnson. The family moved to Bozeman, Montana, in 1938, where Bud graduated from Bozeman Senior High School. He worked at the stockyards and at a local ranch as a hand, where his love for horses began.
   He came to Winslow to visit friends around Christmas of 1951, and took a job for the winter for the ATSF Railroad as a switchman. He got snowed in and never left. Bud continued to work for the BNSF Railroad for 35 years, until his retirement in 1988. Before his retirement, Bud was the last yardmaster in the tower. Many railroaders who worked with Bud have told his family that he was the “best yardmaster ever” and called him “the voice in the tower.”
   Bud moved just east of downtown Winslow in the mid-60s and established the 7-J Ranch. His love for horses and cattle kept him busy until the end. He was one of the last livestock traders still doing business with his friends on the reservations, whose trust and friendship he valued. He still attended the Sun Valley livestock auction until his health no longer allowed him to participate.
   He had a great respect for all animals, and taught many children that same respect. He was very active in 4-H, gymkhanas and rodeo. Bud and Julie helped to establish the Little Colorado Horseman’s Association in Winslow, and were also active at the racetrack in Holbrook. Bud also helped to build the rodeo arena in Winslow. He was generous, and always a gentleman and hard worker.
   Bud would come home from working on the railroad and go to work on the ranch and feed store, delivering hay and trading livestock. After his retirement, Bud and his son Craig ran cattle on the Rincon and Turquoise Ranches, which turned into another full-time job.
   Among his other many enjoyments, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. Although he wasn’t drawn to hunt elk this year (he did apply for a tag), he got to see his 5-day old grandson go on his first hunting trip with mommy and daddy.
   Survivors mourning his death include his son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Katie; his first grandson and namesake whose birth he waited for, Landen; sister, Cleo (Roger) Anderson of Helena, Mont.; brothers, Elton Johnson of Pony, Mont., and Harlan (Esther) Johnson of Union, Ore.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
   Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Cliff and Ruth; sister, Arvilla; brother, Buck; and wife, Julie.
   There are no services planned. Greer’s Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements. Donations in Bud’s name can be sent to the Little Colorado River Horseman’s Association, c/o Nina Lowry, 104 East Cherry, Winslow, Ariz., 86047.