Rob Johnson, born October 20, 1967 grew up in Roseburg, Oregon, graduating among the top 10% of his high school class. He graduated with honors in 1991 from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and was in the rare 4% of those who pass the Certified Public Accounting exam on their first try. He began fighting fires in 1987 to finance his education and joined the Prineville Hotshots in 1992. His brother joined the same crew in 1994 and was also fighting the South Canyon Fire.

A bout with Guillain Barré syndrome briefly paralyzed Rob. However, his strong, yet humble, goal-oriented personality enabled him to fight back and become even more physically fit. He was an avid skier, working winters in Vail to be close to the slopes. He enjoyed his family, hunting, fishing, water skiing, golf, soccer, reading, playing piano and pool. Rob's quick wit, smile, perceptivity, and zest for life will be greatly missed.