Leif Aaron Johnson died unexpectedly on Jan. 2, 2011. He was 56.

Mr. Johnson was born in San Jose, Calif., to Tyr Vern Johnson and Rae Johnson. He graduated in interior design and received several awards as an architectural lighting designer before becoming a residential caretaker in Medina.

Mr. Johnson was an active member of East Shore Unitarian Church. In his covenant circle he was appreciated for his thoughtful insights on the tough moral, ethical, and social challenges of our time. He was well known for his pragmatic solving of any sort of construction problem with just the right solution and just as often the right part supplied as well.

He is survived by his daughters, Colette Noel Johnson and Emma Rae Johnson; former wife, Betsy Zorn; his partner, Laura Klepfer; sisters, Erika Wilson (James) and Ingrid Minor (Lloyd); and nephew, Aaron Johnson.

A celebration of his life will be held Jan. 29, 2011 at East Shore Unitarian Church at 11 a.m. The family suggests donations to the Leif Johnson Memorial Fund at the nearest Wells Fargo Bank, noting if a person borrowed a tool and didn’t return it to him, make a donation in his name and keep the tool with a clear conscience and a joyous heart.