Friends, family of Alex Johnson honor his life at memorial
January 29, 2014
By Will Wright
Friends and family of Alex Johnson, the UK chef found dead after disappearing in December, met Tuesday in Lexington to remember his life.
Those at a memorial service spoke of his contagious sense of humor, love for the outdoors and never-ending kindness to others.
Johnson, 32, worked at the Hilary J. Boone Center. His body was discovered Friday in the Kentucky River. Two arrests have been made in connection with his death, and one man is being charged with murder after he was arrested close to the Mexican border.
Many people took turns standing in front of the closed casket to tell stories and express their grief.
One of Johnson’s coworkers at the Boone Center said Johnson always enjoyed life and taught others how to enjoy it as well.
It was rare to find someone who appreciates life as much as Alex, his coworker said.
One of Johnson’s high school teachers said although he never knew Johnson in his adult life, he felt glad to know Johnson during his high school years.
“He was one of those students you never forget,” the teacher said.
He recalled one day in the teacher’s lounge when Johnson’s AP calculus teacher was throwing her arms up, upset about Johnson’s behavior. Johnson and his friend played chess during her class, much to her dismay.
The teacher would ask him a question, hoping to catch Johnson off guard and prove he was not paying attention. The frustrating part was that Johnson was always able to give the correct answer.
Johnson appreciated life like he appreciated nature, and he appreciated nature from the time he was a child, Johnson’s mother, Judy Johnson, said in a written statement read to the memorial’s attendees.
As a child, Johnson enjoyed things like catching bees and fireflies, and going on walks with his dog.
Though one man expressed anger at the loss of Johnson, most spoke of his life, relationships and desire to help others.