David H. Johnson, 79, longtime Alaskan and Yukon miner, died February 19, 2023, in Delta Junction, Alaska. Dave was born on October 4, 1943, in White Salmon, Washington, son of the late William Howard and Blanche Johnson.
Dave was an eternal gold miner and mineral explorer in Alaska and the Yukon Territory. He was born with fierce independence and a drive to live life on his terms, which usually meant chasing that next gold deposit. He worked on the Alaska Pipeline, North Slope, and had his own placer mining company, Eldorado Mining Co. The northern life, which was always his passion and dedication to his dreams, led to countless adventures, a full passport from all corners of the globe, and many interesting stories to tell.
He is survived by his two sons, Ryan Johnson of Centreville, Virginia, and Evan Johnson of Washington, DC, and his brother, James Johnson of Anchorage, Alaska. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Johnson.
A Celebration of Life honoring the place where he was most inspired to be himself and created so many memories, Eldorado Creek, is planned on July 4, 2024, near Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada.
On behalf of David’s family, friends and colleagues, this site is lovingly provided by his sons, Evan and Ryan Johnson. Updates on David’s Celebration of Life, scheduled for July 4, 2024, will be updated here.
Update on Celebration of Life: July 4, 2024 at 4pm on Eldorado Creek at/near the old site of Eldorado Mining Co. At the site is part of a airplane runway which should provide a gathering space. Sons, Evan and Ryan Johnson are working with current local miners to assist with making the space a reasonable as possible. This site is about 30 minute drive outside of Dawson City, Yukon Canada up Bonanza Creek and continued up Eldorado Creek.
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