It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Benjamin LaVell KeAlii Johnson, age 50, passed away suddenly in an automobile accident on April 2, 2025 in Ogden, Utah.

KeAlii is survived by his former spouse, Jennifer Oliver, Mother, Laura Johnson, Father, Cameron Johnson, Sisters Leilehuanani Rata and Ku'uIpo Johnson, Brothers Keola (Heather) Johnson, Kimo (April) Johnson and Kaleo Johnson and his 20 nieces and nephews.

Born on May 3, 1974, in Ogden, Utah, KeAlii grew up in the valley of Orem and Provo. In his younger years he showed enthusiastic interest in the martial arts having studied Japanese Karate and Danzan Ryu Jujitsu. This would impact the trajectory of his life as he became a black belt attaining the rank of Shodan in the AJJF. He would use this later to found his own dojo called Ali'i Jujitsu where he served the community of Pueblo, CO at the local YMCA. Later he went on to study the healing arts taught within Danzan Ryu graduating from their massage program—helping to heal many with his hands and his counsel.

KeAlii demonstrated a tremendous love for his family and extended family, spending time in abundance with his nieces and nephews. Despite not having children of his own we still considered him a "Family Man" teaching the best of what he knew about life and love to the next generation. During family get-togethers for birthdays and holidays, he always made his favorite dishes including various types of sushi rolls and a perfected version of Hawaiian lau lau, which often became the centerpiece to many potlucks. While in Pueblo, he was introduced to Pueblo green chiles and the annual chile fest that celebrates the harvest. He quickly learned to make chile verde or "green chili" putting his own spin on it, making it very popular with friends and family.

KeAlii, known as "Easy" by his friends and coworkers, loved his job in the film industry working as an actor, gaffer, best boy and grip. He has dozens of movies and TV series to his credit including most recently: Trey Kennedy:Growing Up, 2025, Romance on the Ranch, 2024 and the Book of Mormon Videos, 2019-2023. He expressed love and gratitude on many occasions for his crew and the people he worked with saying, "Every day is a new great adventure. I'm humbled and grateful to have such amazing teammates."

KeAlii was an avid outdoorsman and high adventurer having traveled far and wide around the world. The mountains of Utah were his backyard where he enjoyed motorcycling on his Suzuki GSXR finding both the thrill and the serenity of nature. He loved the ocean and spent countless hours surfing the waves of Hawaii. He was very skilled in many outdoor activities including shooting sports, and loved to share his talent and expertise with everyone, especially the youth.

One of his favorite pastimes was gathering with friends and family in a 'kava' circle to enjoy the relaxing beverage, 'talk story' and sing songs. Here we basked in the radiance of his larger-than-life personality and listened to his many tales from beyond the shire.

He will forever be an example to those who knew him of how to fully and unconditionally drink from the cup of life and enjoy it to its fullest measure.

Farewell beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson and friend. You are now woven into the patchwork quilt of our ancestors. They have called out your name and we will remember you.