Good morning, my name is Juan Guerra and it’s a privilege for my parents, Juan and Lupe, and I to be here this morning to celebrate the life of an amazing human being, Steve Johnson. Before I begin I’d like to thank Marty Johnson, Steve’s lovely and extraordinary wife –– it’s an honor being here and sharing these wonderful memories my parents and I’ve had of Steve. You and your family have shown generosity, kindness and love towards us for many years and we feel part of the family. It’s a treasure that will forever remain in our hearts. Words cannot explain these feelings, but we are forever grateful. Steve Johnson was a man of both integrity and compassion, well respected and looked up to. He was an example to follow and a great leader. Steve was just so full of life and he loved people for who they were and it didn’t matter to him where they came from. As I share this with you, I can’t help but allow all of these memories of Steve come flooding in and I can still hear his contagious laughter echoing in my mind. I think that’s a gift from God. I believe God brought Steve as a gift into the lives of my parents, my life, your life and I am able to testify to that.
I’ve known the Johnsons since I was 10-years-old. And I remember this so clearly because I was already in the 5th grade, I had just come out of an eye surgery and my parents had started cleaning their house. Even though I wasn’t able to help my parents at the time, every chance I visited the Johnson household I was able to integrate myself like part of the family updating them on my schooling, family events, my hobbies and aspirations. Most importantly they encouraged me to dream big in my creative endeavors.
Now, there are many fond memories I have of Steve, but this one I’m about to share still resonates in my life. It was my last undergrad semester that I had to complete my thesis which was getting into an internship with a company that would help prepare me in my chosen career path. It was as if a light bulb had blinked on top of my head; an AHA! moment. Years ago Steve and Marty offered to help me in anything I needed and knowing this would be a great opportunity to learn from the best I asked for their help and they excitedly agreed to be their intern for their family investment entity, The Slingshot Group. A few days later Steve and I coordinated to meet at Peet’s Coffee in Redwood City for our first business meeting and I was both nervous and excited. Nervous because I was going to meet another side of Steve that I didn’t know of. I didn’t know what to expect. I was meeting Steve Johnson, the businessman. But I was also excited because I knew I was in the right hands that could propel me in the right direction. Upon meeting at Peet’s Coffee, Steve offered to buy me an ice coffee; talk about breaking the ice! I was a bit embarrassed for the fact I wanted to buy him a drink as a token of appreciation; he took my order anyway. That’s who Steve was; a man who loved to serve people because it came from deep within his heart.
We got to business and we talked about the main goal of the internship; re-branding The Slingshot Group’s identity look, strengthen its mission statement and including a professional Power Point presentation, a press kit, the whole thing. Even though this wouldn’t officially affect the Johnson’s company because it was a only for a school project, Steve was excited for the outcome. There was a moment in the meeting that we were exchanging documents, to which I needed information from the company as research that I realized what was handed to me; a copy of Steve’s driver’s license and his social security number. My eyes widened. “Mr. Johnson, I can’t take this,” I said returning him the papers. “Keep them in a safe place. I know where your parents work,” he said laughing. We used to joke a lot throughout the years. I declined in taking with me those pieces of information because I didn’t want the responsibility of having his information in my possession. I know he appreciated that and I appreciated the trust he had in me. Walking out of that first business meeting I saw a side of Steve in a whole new way. Not only was he professional and experienced in what he did, he brought something else to the table; magic. It was the power of connecting the real world and family. What I mean is, being the successful businessman that he was, he also incorporated values and integrity into his work and into the lives of who he met. I grew up learning to do those things thanks to my parents, but it was such a confirmation that God had placed the Johnsons in my life that I was able to strengthen those qualities in my life and in my career choices. It became such a validation to me knowing that because of Steve, along with Marty, I was able to see more of my true calling. From performing on stage to acting in front of the camera, I was able to see beyond the scope of storytelling and discover my new passion for producing stories with a great message that one day I hope to create an impact. It’s where I began forming a team of creative individuals with the same mind-set, principals and passion.
I am genuinely and truly thankful that Steve was able to take part in my life. Not only did he become a friend and part of my family, he knew the importance of including integrity, humbleness and values into anything we may put our mind to; it’s in part of him that I am who I am today. He was a great leader I wished to emulate I will always be reminded of his character and work ethics. It may sound strange to say we’re celebrating the life of Steve, as there is sadness and hurt beyond our comprehension, but Steve is in God’s almighty presence. With due respect in all beliefs, I’d like to share this experience that brought me great hope and I hope this comes as encouragement to all of you. A few years ago I dreamt I was walking with Jesus. I couldn’t see his face, but felt peace and love in His presence. It was all a fleeting moment to experience, but felt like hours. I felt love like I never experienced it before, time didn’t exist and I knew my loved ones were okay. I know that one day we will reunite as a family in God’s Kingdom. But until then; Marty, we are here for you. We give you and your family our continued love and support, always.
Thank you,
Johnny
