Finneas Johnson

Finneas (Finn) C. Johnson, age 18, of Kalamazoo, MI died Sunday afternoon, December 4, 2016. Finn was the beloved son of Jennifer Hall, brother of Grady and Cian Johnson, and son of Bruce Johnson. Born on December 27, 1997, Finn was a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo, where he was fortunate to be part of a lively and close-knit neighborhood. Finn was passionate about many things - primarily soccer, science, family and friends. Finn's athletic ability was evident early on and while he enjoyed many sports, his true love was for the Beautiful Game. He played soccer for Kalamazoo Central High School, Alliance FC, and most recently for Kalamazoo College. Finn delighted in the mental and physical aspects of the game and thrived on its competitive nature. Most of all he loved being part of a team and treasured the relationships he formed with teammates and coaches. Finn had an intense work ethic, set high expectations for himself, and was driven to succeed in all of his undertakings. A 2016 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and the Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center (KAMSC), Finn earned many academic and athletic accolades. He had recently completed his first semester at Kalamazoo College with a 4.0 grade average, an accomplishment of which he was justly proud. He hoped to eventually earn a doctorate in microbiology and pursue a career as a research scientist. Finn had a bright, inquisitive and quirky mind. He asked questions others might not and was often reluctant to settle for half-truths. His not-so-secret ambition was to become the first person to achieve photosynthesis thereby becoming known as "Photo Finn". In every pursuit, Finn's greatest achievement was his ability to connect with people. He relished time with friends old and new, his parents, brothers, grandparents, extended family members, and his beloved dog, Strelka. He often took Strelka over to campus to visit with his dog-deprived K-college friends. Although only 18 years old, Finn had already learned that life was best lived in community. Finn will be remembered for his sly wit, charming smile, and budding sartorial style. Most of all, though, he will be remembered for his generous spirit and for being humble and kind. Finn struck an imposing physical presence and yet had a tender inner spirit that was evident to all who knew him. His mom often compared him to the classic children's literature character, Ferdinand the Bull: a gentle giant who often wanted to sit just quietly and smell the flowers. He will be deeply missed. In addition to his immediate family, Finn is survived by his darling grandparents, Charles and Linda Hall, whom he loved dearly and who adored him in return; his uncles, Andrew Hall (Amy Doyle) of Atlanta; Ed Hall (Claudia Boot) of Fort Collins, Colo.; Rob Johnson of Pinconning, Mich.; Cass (Julie) Johnson of Kalamazoo; his aunt, Alma Hall of Fort Collins, Colo.; and his cousins Alex, Duncan, Daphne, Pia, Lucia, and Axel. A memorial service will be held later in December, details to be announced. Gifts in Finn's memory may be directed to the Kalamazoo College Hornet Athletic Association Men's Soccer Team, KAMSC Annual Fund, or the Union for Concerned Scientists. Arrangements were made by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St.