Erik Nolan Johnson's Obituary
Erik Nolan Johnson, born 1980, passed away after a courageous battle with a rare brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme.
He was the celebrated first child of Deborah and Mitchell Johnson, best big brother to Jessica Marie Johnson, and beloved husband and best friend of wife Melanie Johnson.
Erik was an extremely intelligent, funny, kind, loving and loyal man. As a boy his intelligence was apparent at an early age, reading first grade level books at age 4 ½, and loved telling everyone he beat his mom playing chess at 5. He was involved with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and he won the pinewood derby. When he got his first Nintendo system at age 7 it would become a lifelong passion for him as he grew into a retro gaming hobbyist. As he grew, he enjoyed playing guitar, chess, and loved playing video, card, dice, and board games with his friends and family.
Erik had a beautiful voice and was in numerous choirs throughout junior high and high school. He got his first guitar for Christmas his senior year and began writing his own music. He loved playing guitar! He especially loved jamming out with friends when the opportunity arose.
As he got older he became interested in computers and became quite skilled. He graduated from John R Rogers high school in 1998, attended Washington State University for two years, and graduated from Bates Technical College in Tacoma from their Information Technology program.
He then started his successful career as an intern with MultiCare Health Systems. He was hired upon graduation and continued to work his entire 16 year career for Multicare until his passing. Colleagues and customers always said he gave superb support at MultiCare, always patient and kind with glowing performance reviews. Erik took great pride in his supportive role in an industry he believed to be critical to keeping his community healthy and safe.
In May 2019, Erik married the love of his life, soulmate, and player 2 for all games, Melanie Sparks. They knew of his diagnosis around this time. Knowing his time would be limited they made the best of it, enjoying each other's company and living a beautiful life together.
Erik had a strong faith in God’s plan for him, and passed away peacefully at home. He was surrounded until the end by daily visits from his cherished friends and family. He was never alone and said he was at peace.
Erik we love you, you will be missed.
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