NICK JOHNSON

Former Alaska resident Nicholas (Nick) Dana Johnson, 28, died in a kayaking accident on May 4, 2008, in Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica. A celebration of his life will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17 at Mat-Su River Park in Palmer. A potluck will follow

Johnson was born March 31, 1980 in Portland, Ore., to Gregg and Cory Johnson. He moved to Alaska with his family in 1983. He attended Snowshoe Elementary, Wasilla Middle School, and graduated from Wasilla High School in 1998. After graduating, he attended Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix, Ariz., graduating as an auto technician.

Johnson made his home in Seattle, Wash., with his brother Travis. He took a break from working last December to enjoy life and play his music. He hoped to see new parts of the world and was excited to experience all he could in this life. Johnson enjoyed playing his guitar, motorcycles, and just hanging out with friends and family. He will always be remembered for his quiet, gentle spirit, easy-going attitude, and awesome smile. Johnson was a superb hugger who will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his parents Cory and Gregg Johnson of Wasilla, sister and brother-in-law Brandy and Matt Reid and nieces Hannah, Sydney and Audrey of Portland; brother Travis Johnson of Seattle; brother and sister-in-law Kenneth and Kim Johnson and nephew Jude of Anchorage; grandparents Lloyd and Virginia Johnson of Vancouver, Wash.; many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.

There will be celebrations in Portland and Seattle. Memorials may be sent to the National Wildlife Federation, nwf.org.