On Sunday, April 17, 2011, Roderick 'Rocky' Alan Johnson of Bellevue, Idaho, passed peacefully at St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center in Ketchum at age 58 surrounded by his family and friends. His valiant, year-long battle with leukemia is finally over.
Rocky was born in Baker, Ore., on Dec. 16, 1953. He was always a "busy little boy" with an endless curiosity and a mischievous personality, but his winning smiles and sweetness usually kept him out of trouble. Rocky graduated from Weiser High School in 1972 to pursue a variety of occupations. He worked in construction, auto repair and a tire shop, and spent many years in the food and beverage industry. His last career choice—and his dream—was to become an electrician. He was working towards his journeyman's license with Poggi Electric when he became ill.
He lived in Weiser and Boise, Idaho, until moving to the Wood River Valley in 1978. There he found his "home" and the love of his life, Debbie Oneida, in that beautiful valley. He was a volunteer fireman for several years but his true passion was softball. The love of that sport kept him playing the game and coaching women's softball and his beloved Balltrappers for more than 25 years.
Rocky never met a stranger and had an uncanny memory for those who touched his life in even the smallest way. Always thinking of others first, his kind ways and generosity were his trademarks. He treasured his family and friends and nurtured those relationships to the end. Rocky will be lovingly remembered and truly missed by us all.
Survivors include Debbie Oneida of Bellevue, Idaho, his devoted partner; his mother, Marilyn Goodman of Nampa; his daughter, Priscilla Ramirez; granddaughter, Celeste Ramirez, and grandson, Santana Ramirez, all of Weiser, Idaho; sisters, Jackie Korte and Shannon DeHaas of Nampa; and nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
There will be no services at this time. Because of Rocky's "love of the game," a memorial softball game will be held in May in Ketchum—a time to come together for sharing memories of his life's journey.
Arrangements are under the care of Wood River Chapel. Friends are invited to leave condolences and share memories at www.woodriverchapel.com.
