• Tweet
• Share
• Email
• Print

A well-known justice for the state of Idaho was remembered in Boise on Sunday. However, the event was not a somber funeral, but a celebration of his life!

Byron Johnson, who's an iconic public figure in Idaho, passed away at his home in Boise on December 9th.

Johnson held many titles, during his life. He was once a lawyer, former Idaho Supreme Court Justice, then later in his life, an artistic poet.

His family made sure his life and accomplishments were celebrated in a truly unique way at the Barber Parks Events Center. In place of a memorial service, his family members said his last request was a celebratory wake with music, good food and whiskey.

Johnson was a Harvard graduate, who served on the Idaho Supreme Court for more than a decade, before retiring in 1999.

He was a well-known Democrat, involved with the Idaho Education Association Teachers Union and the American Civil Liberties Union Board.

His son talked to us about his favorite memory with his father. "Being in the mountains with him, just spending time with him, thinking out loud,” said Ethan Johnson, “That's really where I really felt he was the most himself."

Johnson more recently wrote a personal memoir called ‘Poetic Justice,' about his thoughts on his life as a judge and later a poet.

Byron Johnson (1937-2012) is survived by his wife, two sons and daughters, and six grandchildren. He was 75 years old.

Those who wish to honor him can donate to 'The Cabin' in Downtown Boise, where Johnson wrote and read his poetic work with live poets.