Einar & I met in 1975. Shortly before he graduated from Douglas Byrd High School. Einar's free spirit was contagious. From the very beginning Einar would tell me of his plans to hitchhike around the United States and Canada. To make a long story short. Einar convinced me to hitchhike with him. In September of 1976, Einar & I hitchhiked to San Francisco taking the long route through Canada Then taking the southern route through the US. We had great times and not so great times together. We got to see many sites and enjoy the big adventure of a lifetime.
After five months on the road, I left Einar in San Francisco and hitchhiked back home to Fayetteville. It would be over two years before Einar returned home. He spent almost two years hitchhiking across Europe. I remember the tales of his adventure. His mom was a brave woman.
As life goes, I eventually moved away from Fayetteville. My friend and I lost touch.
It was a sad day. When I became aware that Einar was deceased.
God bless your soul my friend. I will always remember you.
Steven Johnson (1976)