JOHNNY WAYNE BARANSKI
May 1, 1948 ~ January 24, 2018
Johnny W. Baranski, age 69, died Jan. 24th of COPD after a short hospital stay. He was surrounded by his loving children.
A poet of haiku for over 40 years, Johnny published eight books to date; his work has also appeared in many dozens of journals and websites around the world. Many of his poems were written while serving time in prison for acts of conscience including nonviolent resistance to war and the Trident nuclear weapon system.
He lived his life with humility, friendship, and love in service of the Gospel of Christ. A devout Catholic, Johnny served the poor for many years as a member of the Catholic Worker Community in Portland.
Born in Chicago, IL, Johnny moved to Portland in the early 1970s after graduating with an English degree from Loyola University. Last residing in Vancouver, WA Johnny was a parishioner at St. James Proto-Cathedral. He was also an active member of the Haiku Society of America, Haiku Canada, and the Portland Haiku Group. Johnny was well-known for his love of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Blackhawks and his interest and ability to identify classic cars no matter what condition they were in.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie Baranski of Cook County, IL.
He is survived by his sister, Gail Baranski; his children, Margo Williams (Byron), Amy Baranski (Bob) and Michael Baranski (Chelsea); their mother, Grace Jewett; and three grandsons, Ty, Caleb and Japhy.
Memorial Mass is Sat., Feb. 10th at 3:30 p.m. at the Trappist Abbey, 9200 NE Abbey Road, Carlton, OR. Committal will be earlier that day at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Stayton, OR.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
There's nothing quite as sad as the moment when the person you loved and admired becomes a memory. Always in my mind, Johnny. Love, Marta
third Deathday
blue-eyed puddles
on graveled path
Marta Chocilowska
Friend
January 27, 2021
your white hair
and a playful smile. . .
longingly
Marta Chocilowska
Friend
January 27, 2019
I miss you so much, Johnny...
My sincere condolences
Marta Chocilowska
February 13, 2018
There are no words to express how we feel for you, Amy, and your family--life is never fair. Your dad sounds like a wonderful, caring and giving man. We only hope that his memory will carry you through and that a part of him will be instilled in his children and grand children. Our prayers and thoughts are with you as your struggles continue. Know that you have an "extra" saint in heaven to watch over and pull for you and Bob.
Much love,
"Aunt Terry and Uncle Mike"
February 12, 2018
My sincere condolences to all of the Baranski family. I only knew Johnny a short while, but was proud to call him a friend. He was a lovely, gentle soul. Rest in peace.
Marianne J. Dupre
February 10, 2018
I met Johnny and members of his haiku group by chance when we were all on the Oregon Coast and shared meals together. I did not know him well, but his kindness and ability to really see people and engage with them honestly and with care impressed me deeply. For those close to him, may it be a comfort to you knowing that the ripples of Johnny's kindness and spirit continue to reverberate even through those of us with whom he merely crossed paths.
Catherine Curtis
February 10, 2018
Johnny was a gift to many in the peace movement and his poetry was also a gift. I will remember him for his steady moral compass, his beautiful ahiku, and his beautiful daughter Amy! Love and prayers to his family, Rosalie Riegle
Rosalie Riegle
February 9, 2018
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. May you find much comfort from our God of comfort during this difficult time (Act 24:15)
February 7, 2018
Three decades later, we remember Johnny's vision and faithful persistence.
Michael & Julia Murphy-Hagan
Acquaintance
February 6, 2018
Toni
February 6, 2018
Toni
February 6, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family. Johnny's poems and activism were an inspiration to us all and will live on in his memory.
Michael Henry Lee
February 5, 2018
A kind, generous poet of great strength. He will be missed in the haiku community. My best to Margo and all the family.
Don Wentworth
February 5, 2018
I've enjoyed seeing Johnny over the years at Seabeck. I share in this time of sorrow--yet I am happy to celebrate the life of Johnny! He was a wonderful person and great poet. May the family be comforted in Jesus Christ at this time. I'll miss you Johnny.
Lovingly,
Kathleen Tice
Kathleen Tice
February 4, 2018
My condolences to Johnny's family and friends. He was an inspiration to many and his sense compassion, many talents, and sense of humour made him a joy to be around.
Susan Constable
February 4, 2018
I miss Johnny. It was always pleasant to talk to him at haiku meetings and conferences. His poetic haiku shows glimpses of his wry humor and also his authentic faith. He will be remembered by his kindness, laughter, and goodness.
Carmen Sterba Russell
February 4, 2018
I first "met" Johnny in 1985 when I was editor of Dragonfly. I published this haiku: "They're biting tonight/wherever I try the fish pond/mosquitoes" Of course, he was publishing haiku before that elsewhere. I finally met him in person in 2009--a great blessing to put the poet together with the person. Thanks, Johnny. I love your legacy.
Richard Tice
February 4, 2018
I hung out with Johnny at the Seabeck Haiku Getaways. He had a wonderful spirit, a committed soul, and was a strong haiku poet. I will miss him.
Rick Clark
February 4, 2018
Deepest condolences to Johnny's family and friends. His passing leaves a hole in the haiku world as well. I'll miss his presence at West Coast haiku gatherings, but thankful for his poetry that will live on and the memories of a kind and dear man. Blessings to Johnny and his family.
Carole MacRury
February 4, 2018
I feel the winter is a little colder with you gone. I enjoyed working with you so much.
Shannon Scott
February 4, 2018
I was sad to learn of Johnny Baranski's passing, which I learned from the February 2018 issue of the online magazine otata, which is dedicated to him and features ten of his marvelous poems.
I had never met or contacted him. I regret I never sent him a fan letter. I have enjoyed, admired, and been moved by his poems for years. It was always wonderful to find his poems in magazines. His poetry is incredible for many reasons, including his compassion, imagination, and how he could say so much with so few words.
My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed not only by those who knew him, but by readers all over the world like me who had the privilege of reading and rereading his poems.
John Levy
February 4, 2018
Johnny, you were an inspiration in so many ways: artistic, moral, family. Truly one of a kind and the best father in law I can imagine. Rest in peace.
Bob Redmond
February 4, 2018
Hi Amy and Bob and Japhy
May all memories be a blessing to you all. He was a fascinating man and father. I'm sure you'll have many memories of happiness. I miss see you all. Love and hugs, joyce
Joyce Terry
February 3, 2018
I participated with Johnny on our nonviolence training for the Trojan Decommissioning Alliance. We trained a very large number of people, in small groups of 20-35. It was a very intense time. Then, I ran into Johnny in Vancouver, again, rather recently.
Cheers to Johnny; and cheers to all of us who adhere to nonviolence as one way to engage those around us in an issue or an active campaign.
My condolences to Johnny's family and friends.
Dianne Hibbard
February 3, 2018
I will long remember Johnny, his smile, his quiet but firm ethics, and his poetry. My condolences.
Michael Dylan Welch
February 3, 2018
Your light continues to burn in your children and all whom you touched. Over 50 years of peace activism; such a legacy! You are missed and will be missed.
Grace Jewett
February 3, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to family and friends of Johnny, may Almighty comfort you all during this most difficult time.
February 2, 2018
Love you pops your grandchildren miss you! We all do daily. Thank you for your love and role modeling and your impact on the world around us.
Margo Williams
February 2, 2018
Rest Eternal! Remembering with the others of the "Four of Us" that 50 years ago today, Groundhog's day, you all made a commitment to do what you could in the name of peace and non-violence. Your words and works remained faithful ever since.
Grace Jewett
February 2, 2018
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more