URGENT UPDATE: Long-time Santa Cruz resident and beloved community figure Donald A. Johnson has passed away at the age of 100. He died peacefully at his home overlooking the Swinomish boat channel in La Conner, Washington, leaving behind a legacy of adventure and inspiration.
Donald, affectionately known as the “Most Interesting Man in the World,” was not only an adventurer but also a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His remarkable life journey began on a dairy farm in Cloverdale, Oregon, where he was born in 1925. At just 17, he enlisted in the Navy and served on a small sub-chaser in the North Pacific during World War II. His bravery led to a rapid promotion to Chief Gunner’s Mate after his predecessor lost composure during a typhoon at sea.
After the war, Donald relocated to Santa Cruz, where he achieved several milestones, including founding the county’s first foreign car dealership and managing the Miss California Pageant. He made headlines as the first person to water ski across Monterey Bay. His entrepreneurial spirit then shifted towards construction, where he built hundreds of homes and apartments in Santa Cruz and Berkeley.
Donald’s passion for the sea defined much of his life. In the 1960s, he and his wife, Madeline Faller, whom he married in 1958, embarked on transformative sailing journeys with their young twins, Alex and Anne, and toddler Tor. They navigated through Central America and the Panama Canal, embarking on multi-year voyages across Asia, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, and Europe—all before family cruising became mainstream.
His adventurous spirit inspired countless Santa Cruz residents to pursue their dreams. Donald often urged, “Follow your dreams, my friends,” a mantra that resonated deeply within the community.
In honor of his extraordinary life, a celebration will take place on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club from 2 PM to 5 PM. All who knew and cherished Donald are invited to gather and lift a glass in his memory.
Donald’s life was a testament to living boldly and embracing the unknown. As we reflect on his incredible journey, we remember a man who truly lived by his own rules and left an indelible mark on those around him.
Stay tuned for more updates on the celebration and tributes from those whose lives Donald touched.
