January 27, 1968 – July 20, 2026
Kurt Samuel Johnson—a compassionate physician, devoted husband, proud father, cherished son, and loving brother—passed away on July 20, 2026, at the age of 58.
Born in Hayward, California, Kurt moved as an infant to Santa Maria, California, where his vibrant spirit and boundless energy quickly emerged. He embraced a rich childhood filled with classic Central Coast adventures: playing youth soccer and Little League baseball, racing BMX bikes, making music, and quietly establishing himself as a formidable pinball wizard. In 1970, he stepped into one of his favorite early roles, becoming a proud and protective big brother to his sister, Tracy.
A 1986 graduate of Ernest Righetti High School, Kurt was both an athlete and a musician. He played cello with the Santa Maria Youth Symphony and discovered a lifelong passion for distance running on the high school Track and Cross Country teams, ultimately finding his rhythm in the 800-meter race.
Kurt pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), earning a double major in Biochemistry and Spanish. Driven by a deep appreciation for language, culture, and exploration, he studied abroad in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and Madrid, Spain. It was during his time living and working in Madrid that Kurt met the love of his life, Adriana Noya. The two were married on January 2, 1993, beginning a beautiful, enduring partnership that anchored the rest of his life.
Guided by an innate desire to heal and serve, Kurt returned to California to earn his medical degree from the UCLA School of Medicine, followed by a Family Practice Residency at Northridge Hospital. After beginning his practice in Newbury Park, Kurt and Adriana sought a small, tight-knit community to practice medicine and build their family, bringing them to Laramie, Wyoming—a place where they immediately felt at home and built lasting, meaningful connections.
Over the course of his distinguished medical career, Dr. Johnson made a profound impact across the region. He served his community in private practice, held the vital role of Medical Director for Wyoming corrections system, and spent three years as the primary Medical Director for the University of Wyoming Athletics Department—a position that brought him immense professional joy and pride. Known for his razor-sharp mind, exceptional clinical precision, and patient-first approach, Kurt earned the deep respect of colleagues and the lifelong trust of those in his care.
An avid triathlete at heart, Kurt’s passion for cycling, running, and swimming remained a constant thread throughout his life. Yet, above all his professional accolades and athletic achievements, Kurt’s greatest triumph was his family. He was a deeply devoted husband to Adriana and a proud, active father to his three sons: Samuel, Marcos, and Lucas. Whether picking up tennis to play alongside Sam and Marcos or dusting off his cello to practice as his sons learned their own string instruments, Kurt’s devotion to his boys was central to everything he did.
Kurt leaves behind a legacy defined by integrity, healing, warmth, and unconditional love. He will be remembered for his brilliant mind, compassionate heart, and the quiet strength he offered to everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Kurt is survived by his beloved wife, Adriana; his three sons, Samuel, Marcos, and Lucas; his parents, Nancy and Sam Johnson; and his sister, Tracy Smith (Rob, Taylor, Brooke).
- Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (1:oo Pacific Time)
- Zoom Option: https://uwyo.zoom.us/j/93429007126
- Location: The Ranch Club at the University of Wyoming Football Stadium
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: UW Cowboy Joe Club (https://cowboyjoeclub.com) or the Laramie High School Tennis Team (405) 229-8074.
