Ivan Che Johnson, April 4, 2003 – Aug. 11, 2022

Ivan Che Johnson was born in Magadan Russia. During the first 18 months of his life, he faced physical and emotional challenges. At 18 months of age, he was adopted by Margaret R. Johnson and moved to his new home in Anchorage Alaska.

Life was adventurous with fishing, cycling, skating, and traveling. Ivan attended Winterberry Waldorf school where his heart was opened to arts and his creative spirit soared. He drew, painted, and learned to play the recorder.

As Ivan grew, he became the kid who would light up the room when he walked in. He would make you smile; he would make you laugh, and he developed a love of music and would sing anywhere and everywhere.

As a young teen, he struggled with depression, coupled with the effects of early childhood trauma as an infant in Russia. He attended Boys Town High School in Omaha, Nebraska where he sang in the church choir, played trumpet in the band, and developed strong, lifelong friendships.

Ivan returned to Homer with his mother in 2021 and as an 18-year-old adult, Ivan stopped taking his antidepressants. He eventually moved to “My House” in Wasilla, a program that empowers teens to become contributing, self-supporting members of their community. He met role models with incredible musical talents; they encouraged the music in his soul. Despite everyone’s efforts, he began self-medicating with drugs and alcohol and died of an overdose. The family encourages donations to the My House program at Myhousematsu.org, 300 N. Willow Street, Wasilla, AK 99654.

He is survived by his moms Margaret Johnson and Marianne Hoosier of Homer, his aunt and uncle, Dotti Harness-Foster and Rick Foster, Mercedes and Ben Harness (cousins Morgan and Evelyn), Steve and Whitney Harness (cousins Riggs, Raina, and Rollin) all of Homer. Grandparents Laura and Jerry Bronson and his god-mother Katya Skorkon in Washington.

The family would like to thank all the staff, and friends from Boys Town Nebraska, SVT clinic staff, The Center case managers, clinicians, therapists and job placement staff in Homer, Alaska, and all the staff from My House Matsu. We hope to eventually see a My House program in Homer.