Edward B. Johnson's Obituary
Edward B. -Å"Ted- Johnson
Our dear -Å"Teddy Bear/Poppy- passed away 1/12/11 at the age of 78, surrounded by his loving family. He was born 4/7/32 in Superior, Wisconsin and grew up in North Tacoma with parents Ernestine Van Evera and Norman L. Johnson.
Ted graduated from Puget Sound Naval Academy and was honored with an award for -Å"all around good guy- and remained just that throughout his life. He served in the US Navy Submarine Service as Engineman Second Class, and was a member of the Underwater Demolition Team. In 1963 Ted and his family moved to the Lakeside Country Club in Lakewood, WA; which remains the family home today.
Ted was an avid sportsman and looked forward to annual hunting trips with cousin Teddy Nelson and several longtime buddies. He also enjoyed ballroom dancing. He was past president of Lake City Merchants Association, Lake City Sportsman Club, Lakeside Country Club and the Lake City Community Club, where he organized a successful youth branch for teenagers, chaperoning many dances and activities. He enjoyed membership in the Day Island Yacht Club and Lakewood Unlimited, and was an Elk for 53 years. He was owner/operator of the Ted's Lake City Arco, after which he enjoyed a long and well-deserved retirement.
He was a strong and positive influence on many youth in his community, and his grandchildren, their friends and neighborhood kids fondly remember -Å"Teddy Bear Camp- at the lake each summer. Teddy Bear guided and inspired many youth, who all had great love and respect for him.
He is survived by the love of his life and grade school sweetheart Leigh, daughters Karen (Neal) Veitenhans, Dedee (Garrett) Rick, and Marci Johnson, grandchildren Meagan, Lindsey, Mark and Nicole, 5 great grandchildren: Bella, Diego & Leo Soto; Max and Leo Manning, and sister Faye. He was preceded in death by his grandson Stacy.
The family would like to thank the wonderful team at Franciscan Hospice, whose care and compassion was invaluable and also Sheila & Deb for their great care while he was at home.
At Ted's request the family will hold a Celebration of Life -Å"party- at 3 pm Saturday 1/29/11 at the Lakeside Club, corner of Veteran's Drive and Pine Street SW in Lakewood, WA.
-Å"Save a dance, I'll be waiting!-
From I-5 North:
-¢ Take Gravelly Lake Dr Exit 124
-¢ Turn RIGHT on Gravelly Lake Dr SW
-¢ Turn SLIGHT LEFT to stay on Gravelly Lake Dr SW
-¢ Turn LEFT onto Veterans Dr. SW
-¢ Turn LEFT onto Pine St. SW
From I-5 South:
-¢ Take Gravelly Lake Dr Exit 124
-¢ Turn LEFT on Gravelly Lake Dr SW
-¢ Turn SLIGHT LEFT to stay on Gravelly Lake Dr SW
-¢ Turn LEFT onto Veterans Dr. SW
-¢ Turn LEFT onto Pine St. SW
Parking will be available in the Club parking lot to your right and on Veterans Dr.
(Signs will direct you)
The clubhouse will be down the long driveway in the parking lot.
Memorials may be directed to the Boys and Girls Club of South Sound, Lakewood Branch.
This notice is also available in The News Tribune or online at: www.TheNewsTribune.com
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