Robert William Johnson

Robert William Johnson - known to all as Bob - was born on October 20, 1947 in Alhambra, CA to Robert and Evelyn (Gualano). The second of three children, he enjoyed a close relationship with his sister Kathleen and brother Joseph. Bob grew up in West Covina, California and graduated from Covina High School. He attended Mt. San Antonio College before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967. He spent the majority of his army enrollment stationed in Germany. Upon his return to the states, he found work at up and coming Southern California retailer Trader Joe's, thus beginning his long and passionate career in the grocery industry.

While the food industry was his passion, Bob's favorite hobby was driving buses. He was hired part time as a bus driver for Russell Transportation (now Durham Transportation), which is where he met his loving wife Jan in 1974. They married in May 1976 and embarked on what one could say was a grand adventure! Through his tenure at Trader Joe's, Bob's dedication and work ethic helped propel him through the ranks from cashier to assistant manager, to store manager, regional manager and eventually a buyer in the corporate office.

In 1985, Bob and Jan welcomed their first daughter, Audra. Their second daughter, Ashley, was born shortly thereafter in 1987. With his new position at Trader Joe's, the family was blessed to be able to tour the world. This allowed Bob to share his love of travel with his family. While he was extremely dedicated to his work, he was equally dedicated to his wife and daughters. Anytime he wasn't traveling, he was making wonderful memories with them.

The knowledge that Bob received while working at Trader Joe's allowed him to continue his career in the grocery industry for the rest of his life. After leaving the company in the early 90's, he worked for various different retailers before finding great success in brokering and consulting. He worked on many well-known brands over the years. In the mid 90's, he and an associate partnered with Whole Foods to create the successful 365 Everyday Value brand. In 2007 he founded Organic Foods International, LLC. The company has grown rapidly over the past ten years and has secured Bob's legacy in the industry. Anyone that worked with Bob, knew of his dedication, loyalty, and vast wealth of knowledge of not only the food industry, but of those who worked in it as well.

As much as he loved his work, his family always came first, especially his grandchildren. You could not find a more loving Papa and Nana than Bob and Jan. The birth of their first grandchild, Tucker, in 2008 was a turning point in their lives, as they welcomed him not only into this world, but into their home as well. Bob spent his evenings as a surrogate father for Tucker, ensuring he had all the love and care he needed. His princess, Evey, was born in 2011, and became the apple of her Papa's eye. He loved sharing his workplace with her, teaching her to answer phones and showing her off to everyone who came by. Weekend brunches with his family at his favorite restaurant, Ruggies, were the highlight of the week. There was not a time he was ever too busy to read a book or watch a Disney movie with his little loves. Even as his condition worsened, he made it his priority to be at the hospital when his youngest grandbaby, Ellie, was born in June 2016. Ellie's bright smile and wonderful giggles brought many bright moments to Bob in the last weeks of his life.

Throughout his life, Bob met every challenge and opportunity with a smile and a wonderful sense of humor. His positive outlook carried with him until the end, as he laughed and joked even the morning before he passed. He touched everyone he met, and he will be forever remembered as one of the gentlest and loving men, fiercely loyal to those in his life. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Jan; sister Kathleen Hall; daughters Audra Johnson and Ashley Robello; son-in-law Mark Robello; grandson Tucker Jones; granddaughters Evelyn Robello, and Elaney Robello; nephews Mark Cuba, Joseph Johnson, Michael Johnson, and Robert Johnson; and niece Tamera Turner.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to www.georgemark.org