It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Michael Johnson.
Dr. Johnson was so much more than a pediatrician—he was a beloved part of our community. Known for his quick wit, charming sense of humor, and his ability to put even the most nervous child at ease, he made every visit feel a little brighter. Whether he was delivering one of his perfectly timed one-liners or offering quiet reassurance to a worried parent, Dr. Johnson had a gift for turning ordinary moments into ones that mattered.
All of us who were lucky enough to work with him have a cherished “MJ” story. One of my favorites perfectly captures who he was: on a BYU–Utah football game day, Mike—an unapologetic Utes fan—walked into a room with a teenager he knew was a big BYU supporter. In each hand he held a syringe: one tiny needle filled with red fluid, the other a giant needle filled with blue. With a completely straight face, he asked which “vaccine” the teen preferred that day. Unsurprisingly, there were more Utes fans walking out of the office than walking in.
That was Mike—turning ordinary moments into unforgettable ones, using humor to build trust, and reminding all of us that medicine could have room for laughter.
He was loved by his patients, cherished by their families, and deeply respected by his colleagues and staff. His kindness, humor, and dedication to children’s health will leave a legacy within our practice and in the lives of countless families he touched.
In the days ahead, we would love to give families an opportunity to honor Dr. Johnson. If you have a special memory or story you’d like to share with his Families First family, we invite you to write it down and drop it in one of the memory boxes we will have available at each office, or share your story using the form shown below.
Thank you for joining us in remembering a truly remarkable man, please keep his family and all who loved him in your thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Toby Cox
Share your memories
Complete the form below to share a story with the Families First team. Stories will be shared internally and are not posted as comments.
