HOWARD R. JOHNSON
December 5, 1928 ~ February 11, 2011
Howard R. Johnson, 82, of Vancouver, WA, lost his battle with bladder cancer on Fri., Feb. 11, 2011 at his home with his family by his side. He was born at Rock Creek, in Battle Ground, WA, on Dec. 5, 1928, to Ralph and Luverna Johnson. He was the youngest of six children. He grew up in Clark County, last residing in the house he designed in Salmon Creek.
At 17, he joined the Navy during World War II and spent two years serving his country in Hawaii, cleaning up Pearl Harbor.
Howard and Shirley moved to California in the early 50's for a few years and he became a cement truck driver in Hollywood, with many stories to go with it! He worked at the Vancouver Shipyards, Bemis, and he was a machinist at Crown Zellerbach (James River). He retired from James River as the shop foreman, leaving behind many friends that had become like sons to him.
Howard was multi-talented and a perfectionist in all he did. He was a commercial fisherman, he flew small planes, he built and raced cars, he could build and do just about anything. He did beautiful masonry work as well as woodworking.
" Howard was an extremely generous man.
He was always making gifts for people. He will be greatly missed."
Howard bought property in Oysterville, WA four years ago and developed the property. With his family by his side, he drilled the well, cleaned up fallen trees (burning stumps was a favorite pastime for him) and built his dream cabin. He got to spend the last few years there and enjoyed every minute of it. When the cabin was finally done he would stay as often as possible with his girlfriend Evelyn and his 10-month-old lab puppy, Tanker. His family would join him in Oysterville whenever possible to work on the next project. He has been growing Redwood trees from seed to plant on his property, with great success. Howard was even woodworking in his shop on the one last project for the cabin two weeks before he passed away.
Howard is survived by his two daughters and their husbands, Pamela and Mike Taskey and Debra and Terry Dusenberry, all of Clark County. He has one brother, Paul, of Vancouver; brother-in-law, Joe Hazelwood also of Vancouver; four granddaughters; six great-grandchildren; many nieces; his special nephews that meant the world to him and many friends _ including Alan Wan and his girlfriend, Evelyn Thompson.
In 2004 he lost his loving wife of 56 years, Shirley.
There will be an Open House to remember Howard on Sat., Feb. 26, 2011, 1:00-4:00 p.m., at Jollie's Restaurant (across from the Clark County Fairgrounds).
Please sign Howard's guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
My husband and I met Howard years & years ago, and had the opportunity to renew our friendship when he bought his Oysterville property. We own a beach home just miles away. It was fun watching Howard fall in love with his property, the area and Evelyn. We have not been at the beach in months, do to health reasons. I feared that we would not see him again. Last weekend when we went for the clamtide, and did not find Howard and Evelyn having a couple of beers at Doc's, I knew my fear was fact. We will miss him. My sincere condolences to his family. Linda and Gene McClellan
February 22, 2011
I met Howard in 1978 and he was my mentor. He taught me so much over the years. The maintenance crew who worked for Howard he affectionately called "The F Troop". Howard named the guys after a comedy/western television series. Howard was a wonderful and generous man. I will miss my dear friend. Mike Drew
Mike Drew
February 21, 2011
Dear Howard, It has been such a pleasure being your sweetheart for the past couple years and sharing helping you achive your many goals. You were a great inspiration to me and all who knew you.You will be so missed, thank you so much for sharing your life with me.
alove you so much, Evelyn
February 20, 2011
Evelyn Thompson
February 20, 2011
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