Johnny, a self-described “Jewish-Rasta-Zen-Quaker-Humanist,” passed away at his home in Paonia on July 10, surrounded by family. He was 74 years old. In the year since his cancer diagnosis he was cared for closely by his sons, Alex and Zack, and his former wife, Caryn.
Johnny often said he felt lucky in life — and he meant it. Born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey in 1951, he credited much of his joy to two loving older brothers, a tight-knit junior high friend group that stayed close for more than 60 years, his home family, his global solar family and a life filled with community, travel, friendship, adventure and meaning.
Arriving by motorcycle with his best friend Kevin in the summer of 1972, he made Colorado and the Roaring Fork Valley his home. After building homes and teaching at Colorado Mountain College in 1991, he co-founded Solar Energy International (SEI) as a nonprofit. For almost two decades, thousands of students from all over the world traveled to SEI in Carbondale and later Paonia to learn solar energy and pursue careers in renewable energy. His passion was magnetic, his mentorship unwavering and his commitment to underserved communities foundational to everything he did.
Johnny reminded us that we must never lose sight of the communities still without reliable power, the schools still teaching by candlelight, the clinics still waiting for basic energy access. This is where his heart lived. After retiring from SEI, Johnny continued to work with communities to bring solar energy to those who needed it most — from Maasai villages in Tanzania to sovereign Native American lands across the U.S.
Johnny was open about living with bipolar II, dyslexia, a long s-s-stutter and a short stature — but what he lacked in height, he more than made up for with boundless enthusiasm for life. When he was first diagnosed with cancer in June 2024, Johnny spent nearly a month at the hospital in Denver. At the time, his doctors didn’t think he’d make it home. But, in true Johnny fashion, he defied the odds.
The past year became a gift: potlucks on the front porch, long phone calls with old friends, fly fishing, stargazing and visits from the people he loved most. He cherished this time deeply. The house was full of laughter, music, dogs, memories and mismatched chairs pulled up for shared meals and stories. It gave him the chance to reflect, celebrate and say goodbye on his own terms. In his final moments, Johnny was able to express his love to his family and say that he felt blessed.
Johnny’s family created a permanent memorial webpage — Johnnyweiss.forevermissed.com
There, you can share photos, stories, music and memories, or just browse the beautiful tributes being added by friends from every chapter of his life. Johnny didn’t want a service, instead there will be a celebratory potluck and party, Saturday, Aug. 16 in Paonia (start time is 4:20pm). More info will be posted on the memorial site soon.