August 27, 1963 – October 22, 2025
Edward Bryan Johnson, 62, Sheridan, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday evening, October 22, 2025. Born August 27, 1963, in Anchorage, Alaska, he was the son of the late Francis Edward, Jr. and Frances (Saylor) Johnson.
After graduating from Service High School in Anchorage, Alaska, Bryan continued forward with his studies, earning his bachelor’s degree in radio production, followed by master’s degrees in teaching and sports education.
Bryan had a passion for teaching and a thirst for travel and adventure. This fueled his wanderlust across the globe and back again. He had many interests during his youth. One was music – specifically percussion – which he learned to master (much to the dismay of anyone in the near vicinity) his 36-piece drum kit. He later took up guitar and bass. He also enjoyed sports – and this is where things really started to click. Hockey was his sport of choice, and there was no looking back. He played for many years in the Anchorage and Seattle areas, as well as Black Hills State University, along with a brief stint in the minor leagues. His passion for the sport led him to help establish a hockey rink in Rapid City, S.D. Anything hockey (or skating) related prior to that time was a good three-hour drive (one way) to Gillette, and that just going to work, long term.
Although he had a great love for hockey, he also developed an interest in collegiate women’s softball. This is where the coaching part of Bryan’s journey started to take shape. He coached women’s softball at Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D., Green River and Shoreline Community Colleges in Washington State, and Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D., as well as through the U.S. Sports Academy. It was here that his love of sports and his passion for education combined in a way that Bryan never saw coming.
Bryan never liked being in one place for too long, usually six months at the most if he could help it, so when the opportunity to teach abroad arose, he couldn’t pack his bags fast enough. He soon found himself in Malaysia teaching Sports Education and Sports History. Next, he made his way to China where, for 10 years, he also taught Health Education, Physical Education, and English as a Second Language at various schools.
His travels helped him see more of the world than most of us only dream about. Australia, Singapore, Thailand, and Dubai were some of his favorite adventures, not to mention getting married in the Philippines. He also spent quite a bit of time travelling the United States. Edward seemed to find an adventure around every corner. Two of his most memorable experiences were the times he volunteered at the Winter Olympics. Working at one Olympic Game would be amazing enough, but to be able to do it twice is something that very few people can put on their resume. The 2018 games were by far his favorite of the two.
No matter where in the world Bryan found himself, family and friends were always in his heart. He will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Bryan is survived by his wife, Sheryl Johnson; son, Joshua Johnson of Frankfort; daughters, Kaylee S. Pettigrew (Caleb) of Michigantown, and Sierra Johnson of Washington State; six grandchildren, Colton Pettigrew, Camden Pettigrew, Kasen Pettigrew, Zane Wollaston, Noah Wollaston, and Dani Wollaston; brother, Fred Johnson (Susie) of Oregon; sisters, Kathy Seward of Alaska, and Janice Porter (Rich) of Florida; and by his former wife, Tara Gill.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Edward, Jr. and Frances (Saylor) Johnson; and his brother, Francis Edward Johnson III.
There are no services being planned at this time.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kercheval Funeral Home in Sheridan.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com