Darryl Ray Johnson

Darryl Johnson passed away in Marin County California, Sunday, July 2, 2023, after a short illness. He was born February 11, 1948, in Lorain, raised in Elyria, Ohio and spent most of his years in the Bay Area of California, which he loved. A graduate of Midview High School in 1966, he briefly attended Cooper School of Art in Cleveland until he was drafted into the Army in 1967. A reluctant soldier, he found his true community in the Haight-Asbury neighborhood of San Francisco and moved there in 1968. In San Francisco, Darryl found an outlet for his painting and musical talents. Beginning in High School, and continuing through his life, he performed in rock and roll bands (The Black River Blues Band, Universal Weasel, The Spiders, among others) as a singer, guitarist, and bass player. The Spiders released an LP that garnered some favorable attention on college radio stations in the '80s. Throughout his life, Darryl remained a free spirit. Fiercely independent and non-conformist, he was an accomplished carpenter, gardener, painter, and devoted friend to many. He will be missed by all! He is survived by sisters, Doraine Toms, and Sara Mason; and brothers, Dale and Neal. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dane. A celebration of life service is being planned.