W. Roger Johson's Obituary
Roger returned to Seattle and asked Shirlee for her hand. They married in 1953 and their rst home was
in Greenwich Village New York. After camping through Europe for a year in their little Morris Minor, they
returned to Seattle and Roger entered law School at the UW. Their daughter Stephanie was born in
1954, followed by son David in 1958 and Brian in 1960.
Rogers early years as a Tax and Estate lawyer were spent at Holman, Micklewaite, Marion Black and
Perkins in Seattle. He then transferred to Tacoma, worked as a Tax and Estate lawyer and became a
partner in Vandeberg, Johnson & Gandara.
Roger and Shirlee had a great love of the outdoors. The family spent many summers hiking, backpacking through Rainer and camping at the ocean with their dogs Gina and Swartz. Family skiing at Crystal
Mountain and later Sun Valley was a winter staple. Roger skied until he was 85. Cruising the San Juan's
and Desolation Sound was a highlight.
Roger and Shirlee built a contemporary home on Lake Steilacoom in 1972 and were able to live there
until their recent passings. They also had wonderful home on Henry Island, a home in Sun Valley Idaho
and traveled to China, Thailand, South America, Scandinavia, and of course - Mexico for many years.
Roger is survived by daughter Stephanie Johnson O’Day and David (Mary) Johnson of Friday Harbor.
Son Brian predeceased his parents earlier this year. Grandchildren are Kelsey (Mark), Alexis (Nathan),
Katie (Gary), and Peter; along with Brian’s widow Deborah and their children Jordanne, Kylie, Lindsay
and Ashley. Great Grandchildren: Jayce Strom, Kahn Paul Wagner, Aria and Lilly Beecher.
Roger and Shirlee were married 70 years. Roger celebrated his 96th birthday in June, and passed peacefully in Lakewood, three weeks after Shirlee, surrounded by family. He was full of wisdom and wit until
the end.
A great big thank you to Amira Powers, Rahael, Nene and Elizabeth, who assisted them this past year
and allowed them to stay on the lake until the end. You loved them like family and they loved you to the
moon.
Our Hearts are broken but we know we were so very lucky to have our parents for so many years.
Walter Roger Johnson was born in Seattle, Washington on June 19, 1927,
the son of Walter and Edith Johnson. Roger grew up with his brother
Donald running around Magnolia Blu , swimming, biking and combing
the beaches with his buddies and artistic mom. After graduating from
Queen Anne High, Roger attended the University of Washington, in the
tradition of Walt and Edith, where he pledged Chi Psi and graduated in
business with an emphasis on taxation in 1950. It was there he met his
future wife Shirlee. Roger became an accountant, served as an accountant
in the navy and was transferred to New York City.
In Memory of Walter Roger Johnson
What’s your fondest memory of W.?
What’s a lesson you learned from W.?
Share a story where W.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with W. you’ll never forget.
How did W. make you smile?