Contribute news or contact us by sending an email to: RCTonline@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Philip Reed Johnson 1952 – 2021



Philip Reed Johnson, 68, passed away at his home in San Tan Valley, AZ on July 5, 2021. He was born October 23, 1952, in Montpelier, ID to Keith Johnson and Thelma Satterthwaite Johnson. He is survived by his daughters, Kamille (TJ) Mighell, Gina (Matt) Heckle, grandchildren, Austin Yehl, Kassidy Yehl, Terry Heckle, Alexa Heckle, his siblings Joan (Mark) Mckinnon, Dee (Gaye) Johnson, Bonnie (Dewey) Forsberg, Nola (Farrell) Eastman, Kim (Brent) Roberts, and Yale (Lisa) Johnson. Philip is preceded in death by his parents and brother Gilbert.
Philip was married to Bobbi Jean Tate on March 17, 1973, and later divorced. Philip served in the United States Navy from 1970 – 1974, followed by many years as a private pilot. Philip retired to Arizona where he lived out his remaining days.
Graveside Services will be held at the Big Creek Ranch in Laketown, UT on Saturday July 31, 2021, at 11am followed by a Celebration of Life Reception at Dee and Gaye Johnson’s Home in North Eden at 1pm.
Big Creek Ranch
277 South Meadowville Rd.
Laketown, UT 84038
Dee & Gaye Johnson
2180 E Blackbear Rd.
Laketown, UT 84038

Sunday, July 4, 2021

Pickleville Philosophy

By Jim Stone

Hi you guys. Us dogs made it through the winter living in the truck in Alaska it’s been 317 days till


yesterday. Do you guys believe that some things in life are just meant to be, like directed by Heavenly Father?  When us dogs left my home in Utah to come back to Alaska one of the reasons was, I made a promise to my friend to write a story about a Great Pyrenees dog.  Us dogs went to Sitka, Alaska and started working on the story but I stopped working on it.  I kind of got down and out, losing my drive to write the story for about two weeks. I just could not wrap my mind around working on it.  

One day while sitting in the truck two people walked by me and they had four Great Pyrenees dogs.  They said hi to my two dogs. I ended up meeting them and told them my story about another Great Pyrenees dog. I took pictures of their dogs and it sparked me to get writing again. 

Well about two months ago the story was finished but I was still homeless until my place had sold to give me enough money to buy a house and boat for here.  So again I was sitting in my truck and a man parked and out of his truck came a gorgeous Great Pyrenees dog. I become friends with them over the next two months, all because we both loved fishing and dogs.  

So my place sold in Utah and it’s really hard to find a nice house on this island in Alaska they sell as soon as they hit the market.

A beautiful cabin came up for sale and I jumped on it right when it was listed. I went out to see it and it was like a dream house for me and the dogs.  It was all hand built from wood cut right on the island.


I parked out front and walked to the start of the driveway and there was that Great Pyrenees dog standing on the deck of the cabin.  Well, I from my heart felt like this was the place that was meant for me and the dogs. It was like a dream that I was led to by all these Great Pyrenees dogs. 

The owner, who I had met, said he had no idea I was living in my truck all that time.  he thought I was just sitting by the ocean working on some stories.

He had built the cabin for his wife and him to follow their dream of living wild and free in the wilderness in Alaska, which they had done for many years together.  His wife's health was getting to where they needed to be closer to civilization, so they were moving back to their ranch in Oregon. 

We made a deal, and I bought my dream house two days ago.  Yesterday was my first day living in a house in almost a year.  It was such an emotional day for me you guys.

It’s been a long road of faith just believing in Heavenly Father and trusting that he would do what he thought best for me and the dog’s future. I am so very thankful for this unbelievable adventure to reach for a dream that I just rolled the dice and just gave up a great life in Utah and went for it.  

I wanted to thank so many of you guys for your support and all the food and care packages that you all sent.  Also, all the support in my books and your kind thoughts and encouragement to keep my dreams alive. 

Thank you so very much.  I couldn't have done this without my dogs, friends, family, and Heavenly Father to lead the way.  I’m looking forward to more wild adventures to share with all of you guys.