Christopher Brian Johnson, age 74, of Beaverton, Oregon died September 2, 2023 at Hopewell House in Portland, Oregon, after a lengthy illness. His beloved sister was at his side. He was born October 5, 1948 to Clifford H. and Martha Lucille “Lucy” (Dennis) Johnson in South Bend, Indiana. His older brother, Larry W. Johnson lives in Lafayette, Indiana; his younger sister, Dorrine (Johnson) Johnson and her significant other, Edgar Walter (Walt) Stoelting live in Mishawaka, Indiana; and his younger brother, John Scott and wife Cindy (Shorb) Johnson live in Elkhart, Indiana.
Growing up, Chris always liked baking and cooking. He was an avid reader, often reading several books at one time; he thought he would become an English teacher. He was a comic book devotee, especially to Marvel superhero's, Richie Rich and Archie. At the time of his death, he had very large collections of books, comic books and the American Bricks he played with as a child. He was very popular in high school, as he was throughout his life.
Chris graduated in 1967 from Clay High School in South Bend and received a degree in English in 1971 from Purdue University. Chris then joined the Air Force working in military intelligence as a Chinese interpreter based in the Philippines. While in the Air Force, Chris met a man he described as always happy. When he asked why, the man said it was because he had found God. Because of that, Chris pursued becoming a priest. He entered Moreau Seminary and received a Master of Divinity in Theology in 1979 from University of Notre Dame. He took a crash course in Spanish at the University of Mexico before doing missionary work in Chile. He was ordained a priest as a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Chris moved to Oregon where he served as Pastoral Vicar at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Portland. In 1987 he moved to a position in Campus Ministry at the University of Portland. Chris received a Master of Arts in Education in 1988 from the University of Portland: the title of his thesis was "A Study of Homophobia Among Male and Female Undergraduates at a Small Catholic University in the Northwest." He left the priesthood when his beliefs and values related to gay rights did not align with those of the Catholic Church.
Chris was hired by the Multnomah County Health Department as a health educator in the HIV Outreach program in 1988; a program he was committed to because of the services it provided to gay men. His supervisor describes Chris as trustworthy, very committed to the work and a delightful person who was a pleasure to work with. From 1990 to 2002, he worked with the County’s Home Renovation lead abatement assistance program and was a Nesby Diversity Trainer for the Health Department.
Because of his work at the County, he was hired by the University of Maryland’s CLEARCorps program, which is dedicated to creating Healthy Homes in Detroit. He was pleased that he could do most of his work remotely which allowed him to remain in Beaverton where he retired in 2011 at age 62.
Rex Bills and Chris met in June 1988. When they discovered they were both INFJ personality types (introverted, intuitive, feeling, judging), there was an immediate, mutual attraction that lasted 35 years. They were joined together in a commitment ceremony September 28, 1994 and married September 28, 2014 in Beaverton, Oregon.
Chris and Rex liked nothing more than a date night at home watching a video or streaming a show. Chris and Rex were gracious hosts who enjoyed entertaining and preparing meals for friends. Chris loved to cook and bake, especially his favorite dessert, chocolate cake. Lunch with Chris at favorite restaurants is a cherished memory for friends.
In the last 7 years of his life, Chris really enjoyed returning to South Bend, Indiana each year. He reconnected with many high school and college buddies during these month-long visits. He loved attending the annual family barbecue while there and was asked to perform several weddings. No longer an ordained priest, he registered online for a license so he could perform marriages for two nieces and a nephew.
Chris had a zest for life. He embraced new adventures and travel, and he loved to learn new things wherever he went. Chris was kind, compassionate, and always in good humor and he had a sassy sense of humor! Chris was a beloved mentor, wise, generous, and kind.
One friend writes: “Chris was the BEST listener I’ve ever known. Whatever I was sharing- a story about a grandchild, a work adventure, or asking advice about an obstacle in my life- Chris listened intently, NEVER interrupted, and gave such careful and wise feedback. Also amazingly, he remembered details about a conversation and could ask follow-up questions or give sage advice months, sometimes years, later. I’m convinced he must have been an amazing priestly confessor.”
Chris had vast interests, was optimistic and welcoming. He was very, very passionate especially around current political events. An avid reader, he wrote to Jeanne M. Dams, a favorite author who lived in South Bend and wrote mysteries about the local Tippecanoe mansion. He managed to meet her for lunch on one of his annual trips home.
He was a dedicated friend who often annoyed new and old friends by taking many photos of them. He carefully put together pictures of holidays, events, and gatherings and generously shared them through CDs and the Cloud. He created stories and preserved fond memories of love, laughter, and celebrations of life.
Chris was able to connect with a variety of people, with an insatiable curiosity. Chris valued his relationships and the memories created in those relationships over the years. Chris made an effort to care for others and continued to do so even through his final weeks of life. His fondness for chocolate cake will be remembered as well as his appreciation for pie and a good glass of wine.
He loved dance and was a generous supporter of both White Bird and BodyVox for years. He served as Chair for BodyVox’s annual Gala committee several times and with his husband, Rex, often sponsored dance performances for BodyVox.
Aside from his siblings, Chris is survived by his stepson David Bills of Portland Oregon, 5 nieces, 2 nephews, 7 grand-nieces and 8 grand-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his infant brother Timothy at age 7 weeks (1952), his grandmother Philena Dennis (1978), brother-in-law Chris D. Johnson (Dorrine’s husband) 1997, sister-in-law Carole LaDawn (Larry’s wife) in 2016; niece Rebecca L. Johnson, daughter of Larry & LaDawn Johnson in 2022. Rex Bills, Chris’s beloved husband preceded him in death by 41 days on 7/24/23 in Portland, Oregon.
In his final days, Chris was well taken care of by the angels of Hopewell House. His death leaves a hole in our hearts where tears are born which now is filled with very rich memories. We will miss his thoughtful, gentle approach to life.
Friends and family are invited to remember and celebrate both Chris and Rex’s lives on Saturday, September 30th, 2:00 – 4:00 pm at 1714 NW Overton Ave, Portland, Oregon 97209, next to the BodyVox Dance Studio.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to BodyVox https://www.bodyvox.com/#3 or Hopewell House. https://hopewellhousepdx.org/