Pastor Rick Johnson went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday Oct. 23, 2021.  He was born to his beloved parents Wally and Pat Johnson on Oct.12, 1956 in Utica, NY.  He had just celebrated his 65 ^th birthday.

Pastor Rick graduated from Word of Life Bible Institute.   He always said that was his happiest time in life.  After his graduation Rick was called to pastor at Dennison Corner's church.  After some years there he felt led to start Word Bible Fellowship in Barneveld, New York.  Years later he received an offer to come to the Utica Rescue Mission as the Chaplin.  He accepted and began his greatest work of loving and caring for the broken.  He had a true shepherds heart.  Many of those broken have been restored and have gone on to love and serve the Lord.  After his retirement, he felt led to start a new ministry along side his dear friend Pastor David Ossenfort and Pastor Michael Eaton.  That ministry serves their community, feed the Veteran's every Wednesday and provided much needed supplies to the elderly through Covid19.  So many people work in that ministry and  although we cannot name them all, Pastor Rick loved them all.

Pastor Rick was bigger than life to all who knew him and especially to his sister Vicki who called him her beloved Rickie.  He was wise beyond his years, humble in spirit, wanting no glory for himself.  His generosity over flowed to so many.  His  love for his Savior was known to all.  His love of family and friends was beyond measure.  His sense of humor was timeless.  His legacy and spirit will live on in all who new him.   He will forever be missed this side of heaven.

Pastor Rick leaves behind his beloved sister Vicki (Steve) Besler, his sister Valorie Lindsay, and brother Scott (Jill) Johnson, his nieces and nephew Josh and Kelly Johnson, Jessica and Jon Rosato, Justin and Melissa Besler and Shawn Lindsay, great nieces and nephews, Katilyn and Ashley Johnson, Dominick Rosato, and Ethan and Evan Besler.  He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Wally and Pat Johnson, and many other relatives.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 11:30 a.m, at the Living Faith Bible Church, 292 Oneida Street, Sauquoit NY 13456.  Where the Rev. David C Green and Rev David Ossenfort  and Pastor Michael Eaton will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, all contribution's can be made to the Shepherd's Ministries, PO Box 430, New Hartford, New York 13413.

Arrangements under the guidance of John L Matt Funeral Home, Chadwicks, NY. To send an online message of sympathy go to: www.johnlmattfuneralhome.com