In Memory of 2025

Dennis Johnston October 5th, 1940 to July 5th, 2025. Age 84

OTHG Facebook Page

Al Fake July 5th, 2025   

We lost Dennis Johnston this afternoon. He was truly loved by everyone that knew him. Drag Racer, Hot Rodder extraordinaire, dear friend and a true gentleman. I'm gonna miss you buddy.

Clyde Simmons

One of our true Hot Rodders.

Steve Bergo

I thought he was one of the nicest men I have ever met. I will miss him

 Rik Jimerson

Actually, we were pretty lucky to be a part of a group and a community. I got to enjoy and share Dennis Johnston. A very unique man with many accomplishments from his water skiing to his hot rodding, he was committed to be the best.

He will be missed

Steven W Bill Stage

Dennis was a gentle giant amongst men and all who knew him were blessed to have him as our friend.

Tim Paske

Dennis was always so kind and interested in other people’s cars. He was a true gentleman “hot rodder”. If you didn’t know him you missed a great guy, there will truly never be another DennyJ .Cruise on old friend and God be with you. 

RC Crooks

All who knew him will miss him.

Mike Splett

Very saddened to hear this. Dennis was one of the first “car” people I met in Havasu. I brought our ‘34 out in 2019 for the first time and we were at the Wiener schnitzel. He walked up introduced himself and we started talking drag racing! He was awesome, very friendly and always cordial.

Harlan Shank

Stacy and I first met Dennis in 2017 while Hot rodding in LHC. What a kind, soft spoken man with so much history in the car and water sport world. Our hearts are broken and will be full just thinking about him RIP our friend. Our prayers and thoughts are with him and his family.

Richard Dick Bassett

RIP Dennis Johnston prayers to family and friends.

Allen Grogan

I was just over at his house a few days ago, he was definitely a gentleman and will be missed by all.

Steven Lomax

So sad to hear this news about the passing of Dennis. He was a good guy and a joy to be around. He will be truly missed by many…RIP Dennis

Dave Patterson

Dennis was a Great Guy, always enjoyed spending time with him. My Sincere Condolences

Bill Bowen

Very nice man RIP my friend 

Dennis Battles

RIP Buddy

Celebrating a Legend 
A community member shared heartfelt condolences for a beloved drag racer, hot rodder, and gentleman. Comments poured in, recalling his kindness, passion for cars, and achievements – from water skiing to hot rodding. One user remembered their first meeting at a restaurant in 2019, sparking a drag racing conversation!

Robert Mohler

So sorry to learn of DENNIS JOHNSTON'S passing. I've known him since he was a previous fellow (West Coast Willy’s Club) member with his killer Blown A/Gasser Willy’s Coupe. Then he moved to Lake Havasu City, sold the Willy’s & built up black two killer '32 Fords (The Coupe & Sedan). Saw him & his pair Deuces every year at the annual HAVASU DEUCES shows since the 1st one in 2016. Dennis was a quiet soft-spoken gentleman. A GOOD MAN & GOOD FRIEND! Rest in Peace Dennis. (Bob M in Yucca Valley)

He also posted the collage (IN RIP folder) of Dennis Johnston 7/5/25 FB

Bryan Wilson

May you rest in peace buddy!

With great sadness we found out that we lost a long time member, Steve Root, on March 23, 2025.

Steve retired from the Skunk Works as the Director of Operations in the early 90’s. He joined the OTHG in 2010 and was very involved. He was Vice president 2 times and he became the OTHG President in 2016. He has had some very nice cars, the last one being the Pontiac that is now owned by Steve Lomax. On April 2nd Steve will be inurned in Apple Valley CA where he will be with his Mom & Dad. He did not want a service and his wishes were that his friends would just remember his good humor and that laugh! He will be missed! RIP my friend