Ferd E Johnson October 27, 1935 ~March 5, 2024

Ferd E Johnson was born on October 27, 1935, in Bicknell, UT to Elmer and Ilda Johnson. Ferd passed away from natural causes on March 5, 2024.
He was the oldest of four children followed by Ester, Dee Lyle and W. Wayne. Ferd grew up moving around Wayne and Emery counties and graduated from Huntington High School.
Ferd moved to Blanding, UT while working for the Utah Department of Transportation where he met the love of his life, Joselyn Dolores Bayles. They dated for several years before eloping to Las Vegas, NV on June 13, 1964, and were sealed in the Manti Temple on November 9, 1968.
Ferd and Jo were blessed with three sons: W. Wayne (Jennifer), Chet E (Tracy) and Kade Parker (Mandy) and many grandchildren.
Ferd retired from UDOT after 31 years and continued working on roads and pipelines for many years in the private sector. Ferd took great pride in being involved with the building of the Dirty Devil, Colorado and White Canyon bridges during his time with UDOT.
Ferd was involved with the San Juan Water Conservancy District managing the pipeline as the watermaster and active in the San Juan ATV Safari for over 20 years.
Ferd was well known for his expertise in San Juan County water issues, roads and 4-wheeler trails. People from all over would reach out requesting that he show them the local scenery and take them on trails no one else knew as well as Ferd, and he was happy to do so.
Ferd was happiest when he was out on a trail and sharing his knowledge of San Juan County. Those who were lucky enough to spend a day on the trail with Ferd left with a greater knowledge and respect for the beauty we are privileged to be surrounded by in San Juan County.
Ferd and Jo loved to follow the rodeo and made friends with the bull riders and rodeo clowns. They became so well-known at the rodeos that their attendance was often announced over the loudspeaker.
Ferd and Jo were thrilled to be able to realize their dream of building a cabin at Devil’s Canyon which they enjoyed sharing with others.
Many great nights of good food and extreme horseshoe competitions were spent there. Few, if any, have bested Ferd at horseshoes even in recent years.
Ferd knew everyone and everyone knew Ferd. He loved all his friends and was always willing to help anyone in need and to visit anyone who he thought needed company.
Ferd had a remarkable memory and could tell you the history and details of San Juan County trails, water rights and other events up until the last day.
Ferd could be found each morning at Yaks with a group of friends enjoying breakfast and stories. He learned so many things during this morning ritual that the family began to call these bits of information “Yak Facts” even though we didn’t think much of it was true.
Ferd loved the church and was valiant in his temple work and worked at the Monticello Temple every week, including the week he passed away.
Ferd and Jo spent many years doing the church services at the nursing home in Blanding and he recently served in that calling again. Ferd was also a ward clerk for so many years that he still had notebooks with the counts from the 1970s.
Ferd’s passing leaves an empty place in our family, the community and especially on the trails of San Juan County. Whenever you are enjoying a ride, please remember Ferd because he is probably beside you in spirit.
Funeral services were Monday, March 11 at the Blanding Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Interment was in the Blanding City Cemetery.