Everyone who met Liam knew he had a fabulous sense of humor, an infectious laugh, a great smile. He liked telling jokes and funny stories. He was smart and outgoing, a loving son, brother, and friend. Liam liked legos, puzzles, music, dogs, Harry Potter and watching “trick shots” on Dude Perfect. He visited countries around the world and loved spending time with his family in the US and in Australia. Liam was loved, OH WOW was he loved!
Liam also happened to have autism and “tummy troubles”, but he didn’t let that slow him down. He fought! He worked hard at “the puzzle place”, and his parents, family, teachers, and therapists were fortunate enough to watch his determination as he learned and grew. Liam began to make his mark on the world. He made sense of a world that is sometimes hard to manage, he educated people about autism, and most importantly he gave us an example of who we should be. Though there were times he was tired, Liam never quit. No. Instead he pressed on and overcame adversity every day. We will miss you, sweet boy! Rest now. We have lost a beautiful light. We are lucky to have known you and will never forget.
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
“For the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, Oh death, is your victory? Where, oh death, is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15: 53-55
💚💙AARC family we ask that you join us in honoring and celebrating Liam’s short but beautiful life and keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. 💚💙
THE LIAM JOHN RIPP MEMORIAL FUND
The Liam John Ripp Memorial Fund helps other children with special needs in various ways. This fund has provided the funds for new fencing for a playground for children with special needs, and now provides funds for therapeutic services to children who otherwise could not afford needed services.
Gary Van Johnson, 68, of Murrells Inlet, SC passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2020, at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital. He was born October 27, 1951, in Burlington, VT son of the late Orion Johnson and Frances DeMelia Johnson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia S. Johnson of Murrells Inlet; one son, Michael Johnson and his wife Renee of Milton, VT; four daughters, Dawn Marie Johnson of Greensboro, NC, Tayler Peak and her husband, Richard of Daphne, AL, Gretchen Godin and her husband, Ben of Columbia, CT, and Shannon Rice and her husband, Kevin Podmore of Worcester, MA; one sister, Irene Goroshko of New Port Richie, FL; and ten grandchildren, Courtney, Kyle, Ryan, Aiden, Jackson, Soren, Carter, Ellis, Faith, and Aaron.
Gary retired from IBM after thirty-three years. He was a member of Wachesaw East Golf Club for the last seventeen years. He was also a former member of the Surfside Beach Moose Lodge.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Gary’s name to the American Autism & Rehabilitation Foundation to provide funding for services for children with special needs.
Click here to make a donation to American Autism & Rehabilitation Center in honor of Gary Van Johnson
