Stanley M. Johnson's Obituary
Tacoma lost a much-loved, colorful citizen when Stan "the Man", "Babe", passed away peacefully with family by his side June 10, 2004. Known by many for his perennially sharp wit, amazing memory and masterful storytelling, he is also remembered for his lifetime of dedicated service to his family, community and country.Born Oct. 23, 1916, Stan grew up in South Tacoma where the beginning of his legendary experiences led him to fulfill his father's wishes that he join the Tacoma Police Department, thus beginning his long career of community service. His 26-year tenure as a Tacoma Police Officer, 1941 to retirement in 1967, was interrupted twice when he answered the call to military duty. A U.S. Army Veteran, he served overseas in WWII and again in the Korean Conflict, totaling 5 1/2 years. His final retirement from the City occurred in 1978, after 11 years as a Tacoma Municipal Court Bailiff. His creativity extended from decorating his house and winning many awards in the long-running Tacoma Christmas Decoration Contest to always having a good joke for any occasion to carving wooden airplanes and figures for his grandchildren. His never-ending unselfish volunteer work included time as a first-aid instructor to his many roles with the Boy Scouts, and until his death, as Chairman of the Tacoma Elks Blood Donor program and Chairman of the Retired Police Association's Committee for the Sick. His passionate recognition of the need for blood donors, led him to personally donate a total 19 gallons.Stanley's long-time neighbors and friends called to him in times of need to act as their personal watchman and, quite the handyman, he was always willing to help out when something broke -- inspiring his young daughter to tell folks, "God and my Dad can fix anything." When his son joined the Cub Scouts in 1966, Stan began his long career in Scouting He became Asst. Scout Master for Troop 224 and many boys he chaperoned through Scouting have told him he was an inspirational leader who had a profound influence on their lives. Until two weeks before his death, Stan was still helping out by hand-painting personalized statuettes presented to each new Eagle Scout.Stanley will be dearly missed by his loving and grateful family: wife of 56 years, Gladys; daughter Jody Johnson-Calkins and her husband Scott; son Jeffrey Johnson and his wife Kristy; grandchildren Janet and J.D. Johnson, nephews and nieces, Richard, Mark, Julie, and Elly Johnson, his many loving friends and neighbors.Family suggests donations be made in his name to Cascade Regional Blood Services of Tacoma, Box 2113, Tacoma 98406; to the Pacific-Harbor Boy Scouts Council of Tacoma; Tacoma Police Chaplaincy, (Box 65048), University Place 98464; or, UW Medical Cancer Center Seattle, 98101. Viewing will be 1-9 p.m. at Mt. View Funeral Home, Wednesday, June 16. Services will take place at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, corner of N. 14th and N. Stevens Streets in Tacoma, Thursday, beginning at 12 Noon followed immediately by a reception where all attending are encouraged to contribute a story in celebration of Stan's life.
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