JOHNSON, Bruce Richard (Bird)

The Payson Roundup, Payson, Arizona, Tuesday, March 25, 2014 Bruce “Bird” Richard Johnson October 24, 1950 - March 21, 2014 Bruce Richard “Bird” Johnson, 63, passed away Friday, March 21, 2014. He was born Oct. 24, 1950 in Fargo, N.D. to Earl and Lillian Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed at Hickson Lutheran Church in Hickson, N.D. He graduated from Kindred High School in 1969. In the early ’70s, Bird moved to Arizona where he worked construction. During this time, he invented and patented a diesel fuel heater and a parts cleaning flow brush. In the ’90s, Bird co-owned the Kitty-Bird Ranch in Star Valley, Ariz. where he raised horses and cows. Bird had a love for camping and the Arizona mountains. All who knew Bird will especially miss his gentle nature, quick smile and his amazing ability to get along with everyone. Bird was preceded in death by his father, Earl Johnson, and brother, Charles “Chuck” Johnson. He is survived by his mother, Lillian Johnson of Hickson, N.D.; sister, Deborah “Debbie” (Rick) Fowler of Walcott, N.D.; brother, Kevin (Cyndi) Johnson of Chandler, Ariz.; and his beloved dog, Sammy. Bird has 11 nieces and nephews, 15 great-nieces and nephews. Funeral services are at 1 p.m., Thursday, March 27, 2014, with viewing beginning at 11 a.m. at Messinger Payson Funeral Home, 901 S. Westerly Rd., Payson, AZ 85541. A memorial service will be held in Hickson, N.D. at a later date with burial at Lower Wild Rice Cemetery, Hickson.