Gordon Edward Johnson's Obituary
Gordon Edward Johnson Gordon "Gordy" Johnson passed away on January 14th, 2014 at the age of 78. He was born in Morris, Illinois on 6/26/1935. He was the oldest of four children, Elsie Finch, Roy Johnson and Norman Johnson. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Sherry Ann Johnson, who passed of cancer in 2005. In 1958, Gordon and Sherry moved from Illinois to Tacoma, Washington and had three children. Gordon served in the National Guard during the early 1960's. Gordon Johnson was a master autobody repair and metal worker as well as shop manager. He also trained and certified welders and metal workers. During his early career in autobody he worked for Fred Kraft, Fiztgerald Ford, Kay Parks and others. Later he taught autobody repair, welding and Hobby classes at Bates Vocational Institute. A great passion of Gordon's was traveling through and appreciating our Pacific Northwest outdoors from the old logging roads of nearby mountains to the sand dunes and beaches of both Washington and Oregon. He had motorcycles, sand railers, 3-wheelers and dune buggies for his exploring nature. Gordon loved to meet and visit with anyone and everyone he met. His easygoing approachable nature made him friends everywhere he went. He loved music, especially live music. He always had at least one loyal four-legged companion by his side. To all who inquired about "Tinker" he's lazing around a woodburning stove at a happy new home on Anderson Island, (friend of the family). The family would like to extend a warm thank-you to the Pt. Defiance Ruston Senior Center where he spent a great deal of time eating and socializing, "You were part of his family". To everyone at the center the family thanks you for adding so much happiness to his last years. Also a thank you to Darlene Alfredson (special close friend to Gordon). Gordon is survived by his two brothers and sister mentioned, his son Guy Johnson, his grandchildren Garemy, Lyssa, and Greg, new great-grandchild baby Garen, daughter Paula and (Jeff) Bernhoft, daughter Tina and (David) Ellestad grandchildren Jacob, Joshua, and Jonah. Gordon's friends and family would like to invite any friend of "Gordys" for informal food and refreshments at the V.F.W. Hall North Baltimore across the street from Ruston Senior Center North Baltimore. This will be held on Saturday, February 1st 2014, 1-5.
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