Erik Raymond Johnson

Erik Raymond Johnson died suddenly at his home in Suquamish on December 10, 2025. In his 37 years, Erik touched so many lives, and his untimely passing is a grievous loss. He was kind, fun-loving, and adventurous. He had an easy way about him and was one of those people who made you feel good when he walked into the room.

Erik was born in Bremerton to Karen and Bob Johnson on November 21, 1988. He was the second child, following his big brother, Blake, who was three years ahead. The family soon moved to the south end of Bainbridge Island, where Erik grew up, just a few blocks from the beach in a nurturing, friendly community. Erik made good lifelong friends there. As they got older, they got into BMX biking, which eventually caused Erik to lose his front teeth.

Erik had an alternative education, including homeschooling with his mom in grade school, middle school at the Odyssey Multiage Program, and Running Start at the end of high school. After getting an Environmental Science degree from Western Washington University, he did salmon restoration work for several summers, filling in with construction work as he looked for a permanent job. He eventually left the environmental field and moved full-time into a career as a builder.

He was capable, hardworking, and a good team player. He had a scientific mind and enjoyed solving problems in his construction tasks. Being the handy one in the family, he was also a great help to them with his skills, building sheds and chicken coops, finishing off rooms, giving fix-it advice, and making repairs.

Erik liked to travel. He and his lifelong friend Pat made a grand trip to South America in their late teens. They were forced to split up when Pat lost his passport in Columbia, and Erik continued on his own all the way down the west coast. He sailed down the river in the jungle, climbed mountains, visited Machu Picchu, hiked, had his backpack stolen as he sat in a café, and made friends wherever he went.

He also had passions for cooking, woodworking, music, and the outdoors. He loved to grill any time of year. If his dinners were not always ready on time, they were worth waiting for. He was creative and made many pieces of furniture for his own home and for family members. The last piece he made before his passing was a crib for his niece Ruby’s doll.

Erik was always drawn to animals. When he was 14, he got a boxer puppy, which he named Thor. He missed Thor so much and called him “the best dog ever.” His pictures from South America show him with a big smile beside llamas, monkeys, turtles, donkeys, and horses. He could never stand anyone harming an animal.

Erik was always listening to music. Friends and family would get texts day or night, sharing his current interests. You never knew what it would be: reggae, rap, folk, indie, classic rock, alt-rock, country, techno, or something else. Music was a refuge for him when he was down, a mirror for what he was feeling, and a good companion when he was working or relaxing. He loved to dance and attended many shows with his friends.

Erik had two boys with his partner, Katie Vreedenburgh. He was a loving father to Niko and Leo, who were only 14 months apart. After his separation from Katie, Erik shared custody and stepped up to the challenges of raising two toddlers part-time as a single dad.

Erik’s last years were also a struggle with increasing depression and alcoholism. Despite rehab and attempts to quit, he became increasingly isolated. All of this took a toll on his health. He still had hope, though, and he was fighting right to the end to turn his life around and to be his best self. We know that friends and family will remember Erik in his happier times, at the grill, hiking, building things, hanging out with friends, and just being Erik.

Erik is survived by his parents, Bob and Karen Johnson; his brother Blake (Lacey); his children Nikolas and Leonardo; their mother Katie Vreedenburgh; his niece Ruby; his aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his many friends. 

A celebration of his life will be planned for after the new year.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA