Christopher William Johnson

Christopher William Johnson, age 76, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 6, 2024.

Christopher was born in Chicago, IL on July 2, 1948. He graduated with a bachelor’s in finance from Northern Illinois University (class of 1970) after having graduated from Lane Tech College Prep High School (Class of 1966). Christopher had a successful career in accounting, first working at Grant Thorton in Chicago (leading their small business division) for 15 years and then starting and operating his own accounting firm in 1993 until his retirement in 2018. His family, friends, and clients were always put first in his life as Christopher gave much of his time and attention in service of others. Everyone in his life was touched by his humor and love of jokes and puns. He frequently reminded those closest to him of the retired accountant joke with the punchline “Debits on the left, credits on the right”.

As a young man, Christopher was a member of the Sea Scouts in Chicago providing him a lifelong passion for the ocean and tall ships. When not marveling at the sea, he would travel with his family across the United States (successfully traversing the original Route 66), Canada, and even visiting his paternal ancestral home in Vestøl, Birkeland, Norway. While navigating entrepreneurship, Christopher always made time for his family and was supportive of his children’s after school activities. In particular he supported the Barrington, IL troops of Boy Scouts of America and Girls Scouts of the USA in multiple roles as parent and volunteer.

Christopher is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Ellen Johnson (nee Briggs); children, Brian, Gayle, and William (Kathy) Johnson; and granddaughter, Leah Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sigvald and Elmyra Johnson; and his brother, Leonard Johnson. 

A visitation for Christopher will be held from 4pm until the time of service at 7:30pm on Thursday July 11, 2024 at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 149 W. Main Street (Lake-Cook Rd) Barrington, IL 60010. A private burial will take place the following morning at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery in Palatine, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.