November 10, 2003 – March 29, 2025

Seph Johnson, known by many as Lance, left their earthly bounds on March 29, 2025 at the age of 21. Lance identified as non-binary and in 2024 chose the name “Seph.” Born, November 10, 2003, Seph was a kind soul with a zest for learning.

Seph attended North Routt Community Charter School (K-8) and graduated from Steamboat Springs High School (2022) where they were State Champion in Value Debate their senior year. Seph went on to attend Colorado Mountain College (CMC) where they earned a Permaculture Design Certificate in 2024 and worked at the Bear Park Permaculture Center on campus. Seph transferred to Colorado State University where they were pursuing a degree in Biochemistry. They were a conscientious steward of the planet with a passion for horticulture. The first thing Seph wanted to do each time they returned to the valley was to pay a visit to their family of plants at Bear Park.

We will remember Seph for their authenticity, curiosity, their contagious smile and adventurous spirit. They were a natural scientist and enjoyed camping, rock climbing, learning Sanskrit, spending time with their family dog, Elwood, engaging in deep philosophical conversations, and spiritual exploration. Seph’s love for others was so vast and deep that they shared, “I fall in love with everyone I meet.” They live on in the hearts of their parents, Tina Harlow and Scott Johnson, beloved sister Sara Johnson, Elwood, grandparents Mark and Margie, and a beautiful array of friends and family.

A Celebration of Seph’s Life will be held June 7, 2025 at 3pm at Glen Eden Resort and Tavern in Clark, Colorado in the lower cottonwood grove by the river. It will be an Indigenous Land Based Ceremony. Seph took part in many of these ceremonies over the years and they held deep meaning for them. Please dress casually and comfortably, wear layers, bring a blanket, sunhat, a water bottle, and a small bouquet of picked or purchased flowers to contribute to the ceremony. Chairs will be provided for those who need seating. Please be aware that this ceremony will prioritize the spiritual well-being of Seph and community over strict time constraints. We will all share in a Ceremonial Feast for Seph following the ceremony.

We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you who are helping to sustain us during this time with hugs, check-ins, prayers, thoughts, meals, cards, flowers and donations. We feel held.

A memorial wall has been created to honor Seph and we welcome your photos and stories. https://memorialsource.com/memorial/lance-seph-richard-johnson

Donations may be made in Seph’s name to the Colorado Mountain College Foundation Fund for the Bear Park Permaculture Center to establish a memorial garden in their memory. To make a donation, please click the link below and in the notes section, write “in memory of Seph Johnson.” http://weblink.donorperfect.com/CMCFoundation