BREAKING: Legendary adventurer and Santa Cruz icon, Donald A. Johnson, has passed away at the age of 100. Johnson died peacefully at his home in La Conner, Washington, overlooking the picturesque Swinomish boat channel. Known affectionately as the “Most Interesting Man in the World,” Johnson’s life was filled with remarkable adventures that inspired many.
Born in 1925 on a dairy farm in Cloverdale, Oregon, Johnson enlisted in the Navy at just 17. He served as a Chief Gunner’s Mate during World War II, fighting valiantly in the North Pacific theater. His military service was marked by bravery, including a swift promotion after his predecessor faltered during a typhoon.
After the war, Johnson moved to Santa Cruz, where he launched the county’s first foreign car dealership and became a prominent figure in the local community. He famously ran the Miss California Pageant and made headlines as the first person to water ski across Monterey Bay.
In his later years, Johnson transitioned into construction, developing hundreds of homes, condos, and townhomes across Santa Cruz and Berkeley. His impact on the local landscape was profound and enduring.
Yet, it was Johnson’s passion for the sea that truly defined him. In the 1960s, he and his beloved wife, Madeline Faller, set sail with their young twins, embarking on adventures through Central America and the Panama Canal. Their journeys spanned multiple years and included explorations through Asia, the South Pacific, and beyond, long before family cruising became a popular pursuit.
Johnson’s spirit of adventure was infectious, inspiring countless residents of Santa Cruz to pursue their own dreams. He often encouraged others with the words, “Follow your dreams, my friends.”
In a fitting tribute to his adventurous life, a celebration will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club from 2 PM to 5 PM. Friends, family, and admirers are invited to gather and share memories of the man whose life was anything but ordinary.
Johnson had a knack for living life on his own terms, and his legacy will resonate with those who knew him. As guests raise a glass in his honor, they will remember not only his adventurous spirit but also his unique taste—he preferred Campari when he chose to drink.
This profound loss leaves a void in the hearts of many, but Johnson’s adventurous tales and inspirational spirit will continue to echo throughout the community.
Stay tuned for more updates as the community comes together to celebrate Donald A. Johnson’s extraordinary life.
