Arthur Gene Johnson, 66, of Vashon Island, WA, our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, Fathers Day, June 20, 2010. He died from complications of lung cancer.
Gene was born on August 27th, 1943 in Portland, OR, to Arthur Langford and Pauline Jeannette (Poe) Johnson. He grew up with three brothers and a sister, moving throughout the Puget Sound area and Alaska. He graduated from Federal Way High School and spent time surveying with his dad which led to his employment in 1969 with Metro Engineers. The company later became Brown and Caldwell Engineers of Seattle, which Gene served for nearly forty years. Between 1980 and 1984 he held the position of Public Works Director for Othello, WA. While working in Othello, he met the love of his life, Sandra D. Snyder and the two were married on March 25th, 1978. During his time in Othello, Gene was a Cub Scout Leader, president of the local Kiwanis, and a member of the Othello Theater Guild, where his artistic talents were put to use constructing and painting beautiful sets.
In 1984 Gene rejoined Brown and Caldwell and he and Sandra moved to Vashon Island. While on Vashon, he continued his service to the community, eventually becoming Scoutmaster of troop 294. As he shared his passion for the outdoors, he inspired others to reach their scouting goals. If Gene wasn’t exploring the countryside, camping, or visiting museums with his wife and children, you would find him working on his wooden scale models; age-of-sail ships, carriages or planes. His fascination with old barns and trains inspired his photography, paintings and drawings. Gene cherished the outdoors, whether gardening in the quiet of his beloved yard or camping in the deep forest.
Gene was preceded in death by a great granddaughter. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Johnson, and their children, “His, Mine and Ours,” Cindy Piccolo and Sandra Van de Cauter of Switzerland, Michael Piccolo and Jeremy Johnson both of Seattle, Debbie Pegram (Doyle), Jackie Miller (Donnie), Mark Snyder (Rhonda) and Linda Snyder all of Othello, Susan Husa (Craig) of Fall City, Laura Tabish of Liberty Lake, and Bret Johnson of Vashon, Debra Mayer of Tacoma, Cheryl Cox (Dave) of Federal Way. His brothers Mike Johnson (Prem) of Kent, Robert Johnson (Karen) of Dallas, TX, and Dennis Johnson, and sister Jeannette Johnson of Boise, ID. He is also survived by his much adored 22 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren.
Gene was a true gentleman. We will remember his innate kindness, selflessness and patience. We will remember his quick wit and kind words. We will remember the unconditional love and acceptance he gave. Gene actively improved the lives of everyone around him and will forever be present in our hearts.
Remembrances in Gene’s name can be made to Boy Scout Troop 294 on Vashon or the American Cancer society.
A Celebration of Gene’s life will be held at Island Funeral Services, Vashon Island on July 2, 2010 at 2 p.m. Reception following. All are welcome to stay and share their memories with the family.
(Paid obituary)
