Henry Edward Johnson, Jr. was born July 17, 1928 in Albert Lea, MN. He was the first boy born to Henry and Clara (Christensen) Johnson after six girls – and five younger brothers followed. Growing up, he was called “Soins” or “Sonny” by family and friends. He excelled at track and football, placing first in state in the pole vault in high school. He played football in high school and at North Dakota State University.
He transferred to South Dakota School of Mines and Technology where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mining engineering.
He served our country with two tours in the U.S. Marine Corps, including the Korean War, receiving an honorable final discharge in January 1955.
After graduating college, Hank moved to Washington to begin what would be a lifelong career with the U.S. Forest Service. He met and married the love of his life, Margery “Marge” Johnson and they were married in 1960.
They made their first home in Randle with Marge’s four children from her first marriage. Job transfers took them to Seattle and then to beautiful Enumclaw, where they settled into their forever home, despite a job transfer back to the Seattle office. They raised two daughters of their own and welcomed four grandchildren. They were highly devoted and loving grandparents who gave all their time and hearts to the role.
Hank loved to fish, grow vegetables, bake and follow sports on television.
He was a gentle, quiet man of faith who never raised his voice – except, of course, at TV referees who made bad game calls. He was a member of Hope
Lutheran Church and ushered nearly every week of his 45 years in attendance.
He died peacefully at home March 14, 2016 at the age of 87, following many years with cancer and more recently, dementia. He will be deeply missed by his two daughters, Lori Robinson and Sheila (Roger) Hanson; his four grandchildren, Kyle Robinson, Jaimee (Mike) Hudson, Brett Hanson and Robin Hanson; his brothers Richard “Peanuts” (Debby) Johnson, Kenneth “Skip” (Evie) Johnson and Larry (Sandra) Johnson; Marge’s daughters Macelle “Macy” (Nick) Nicholson, Roberta “Bobbie” Dawson, Diana “Di” Fawcett; Marge’s son Steve Manley and six step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Margery Johnson, his parents, one step-grandson and eight siblings: Violet Matthies, Janet Schwartz, Dorothy Selland, Shirley Oman, Clara “Kitty” Gilmore, Betty Westrum, Robert “Red” Johnson and Roger Johnson.
A memorial service to celebrate Hank’s life was held at Hope Lutheran Church on March 19. He will be honored with a military service at Tahoma National Cemetery (18600 SE 240th St in Kent) on April 8 at 1:00 p.m. The family appreciates memorial gifts to Franciscan Hospice and Palliative Care.
