Resident of Santa Clara

Surrounded by family, on 11 August 2023 Donald Rolfe Johnson passed away peacefully, due to complications from chronic kidney disease. He was cherished by his family and was well liked by those he touched.

Born on 18 May 1935 at San Jose Hospital, Rolfe was the only son/child of Edward Oscar Johnson and Edna McCormic Johnson.

Rolfe was the first in his family to graduate from high school and college. He graduated from San Jose High School (Class of 1953) and San Jose State College with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (June 1958) and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (January 1966). Rolfe also got an MBA from Santa Clara University (March 1975) and an AA degree in Data Processing Science from De Anza College.

While the question of who chased whom has long been a source of friendly banter, he and the love of his life, Barbara Noble, caught each other and were married on 2 February 1957, enjoying 62 years of loving marriage.

Rolfe was a devoted husband and loving father. He worked tirelessly to support his family as an engineer for Lockheed, Ford Aerospace and Deskin Research Group.

He retired from Ford Aerospace in 1990.

In retirement, Rolfe and Barbara kept busy and made many contributions. Rolfe was treasurer for the San Jose High School Reunion non-profit organization which gave out annual scholarships to SJHS graduating students. Together they volunteered at Sakamoto Elementary School (15 years) and Second Harvest Food Bank (10 years).

They also travelled the world, eventually walking on all seven continents, always bringing back lovely pictures, rich stories, and thoughtful mementoes of their travels.

Rolfe and Barbara also enjoyed spending time at their cabin in South Lake Tahoe, where they entertained family and friends often.

Rolfe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Noble Johnson. Rolfe is survived by his devoted children Robin Engfer (Doug) of Santa Cruz, Eric Johnson of Shingletown (whose faithful dog, Sarah, brought Rolfe great joy), and Dawne Messick (Kurt) of San Jose; grandchildren Philip Engfer (Amber) of Santa Cruz, Adrian Engfer of Westminster CO, Jillian Johnson (Aaron) of San Jose, Jordan Johnson (Yuri) of Japan, Morgan Messick of Campbell, and Allison Messick of Campbell; and great-granddaughters Melia and Indie Engfer of Santa Cruz.

A private family gathering will be held in honor of Rolfe. A private inurnment will be held at Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your favorite charity.