VANCOUVER, Wash. — David Lee Johnson passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, with his wife by his side. Complications from a rare bone-marrow disease took his life too soon.
David was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, on Jan. 7, 1941, to Robert and Agnes (Larson) Johnson.
Upon graduation from Harbor High, he joined the Navy, where technical training led after honorable discharge to a job with the Grumman Corp., now Northrop Grumman, on Long Island, N.Y. He worked for the company for 38 years, pursuing higher education to become an engineer. While living in New York, Dave was busy helping to raise two children, teaching Sunday school, singing for many years with a barbershop chorus and quartet, and practicing calligraphy. In the last ten years on Long Island before retirement, he and second wife and soulmate Laura enjoyed working on their house and the many cultural offerings of the area.
At retirement, Dave and Laura moved to Vancouver, Wash., across the river from Portland, Ore., where Dave used his electrical and carpentry skills to enhance their home overlooking the Columbia River. He also enjoyed gardening, Scrabble, playing piano and guitar, many musical and art events, and watching the eagles soar over the house to and from the river.
David was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Elizabeth St. John.
He is survived by first wife, Judy; children, Michael (Gina) Johnson and Suzanne Mackiewicz; brother, Milton (Jan) Johnson; grandchildren, Derec, Quinn, Rayma and Rylee; and his loving wife, Laura.
David was a gentle, non-judgmental, talented man who will be tremendously missed by all who loved him.
A celebration of life gathering will follow in California.
Obituary and condolences at starbeacon.com.
