A solo vehicle accident on 199 took the life of a very special man, Craig Johnson, 86, of Gasquet.
Craig was driving south at about 9:30, Sunday morning, January 19, when, according to the CHP, he lost control of his 2005 Ford F350, just north of South Fork Rd. The vehicle left the pavement down a steep, descending embankment and collided with a large tree. Johnson succumbed to his injuries en route to Sutter Coast Hospital. The CHP continues to investigate this accident.
Craig was indeed, a very special man. Craig entered the Marine Corps, with a “…once Marine, always a Marine,” mindset. He studied Geology at the Ohio State University.
Craig began a long and storied career with the National Parks Services. He served as a park ranger at Yellowstone, Channel Islands (2X), the Grand Canyon, the Gates of the Artic National Park and Chief Ranger of the Redwood National and State Parks, among many other assignments. Craig also took a hiatus from Parks and was a private tour guide.
His family said he brought light to wherever he went.
Craig had many passions: Golf; Reading and poetry; and Bob Seeger, whom he often travelled for hundreds of miles to attend his concerts. His family mourns his untimely death but is blessed with rich memories of a life well-lived.
Craig Johnson, Gasquet. California (1938-2025).