Obituary of Paul Eugene Johnson

Paul Eugene Johnson ( 10.4.1946 - 2.21.2024) Paul Eugene Johnson, 77, of Carmel, CA died at home in Carmel with his loving partner, Marsha McMahan Zelus, by his side on February 21, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with COPD, cancer, and COVID.

Although born in Hollister, Paul was a true son of Salinas. His parents Robert and Margaret Johnson moved to town shortly after his birth and Paul attended elementary, middle and high school in Salinas and was a proud graduate of the class of 1964. Through these years he forged life long friendships. When asked how he kept his many friends over so many years Paul always said as an only child he was looking for friends who could become family.

Paul’s father managed four farm supply stores in the region and Paul as a youngster often accompanied him on trips to visit the farmers. He also worked in the Salinas store. It was natural he would build a career around the agricultural industry in Monterey County where he specialized in designing drip irrigation systems. His designs were sought worldwide.

Paul attended Hartnell Junior College from 1964 to 1966, Los Angeles Valley College and Camino College. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve from 1966 until his honorable discharge in 1972. Most of his active service was in Monterey. One of his fondest memories of this time was attending the historic Monterey Pops Festival.

During his years in Carmel he and Marsha, his partner of 25 years, were active participants in the life of the community. They were long time volunteers at Point Lobos and ushers for Pac Rep. They enjoyed their membership in the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club, the Pebble Beach Sports Car Club and the Monterey Ski and Social Club.

Paul loved talking to people and was always ready with a joke or a story about one of his many adventures from his time as an Assistant Harbor Master in Alaska, to living in a teepee in Aromas, to showing off his Crossfire at car shows; he always said he had an interesting life. He certainly did. His family and friends will miss him greatly.

Paul is survived by daughters Staci Alziebler-Perkins of Monterey and California Spencer of Oregon and sons Sky Johnson and Colt Johnson, also of Oregon, eight grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. In addition he leaves his partner’s brother and sister-in law Mick and Nicki McMahan of Carmel. 

A celebration of his life will be held in October close to his birthday on October 4.