Dick Johnson

Richard D. “Dick” Johnson, age 85, of Cathlamet, Washington died December 21, 2023 in Cathlamet.

Dick was born December 1, 1938 in Hamilton, Montana to Howard & Clara (Blodgett) Johnson.  He grew up in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana working in the woods with his extensive Johnson-Blodgett-Rennaker family.  After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Montana in Missoula where earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. He served in the United States Army.  After a move to North Bend, Oregon he taught and coached at North Bend High School.  In 1972 he moved his family to Grants Pass where he taught Physical Education and Business classes and over the years coached football, tennis, and basketball, eventually becoming the Boys Varsity Head Coach.  In 1988 he moved to Tillamook County where he was vice-principal, school counselor and coached at Neah-Kah-Nie High School where he retired in 1995.

In 1993 Dick married his wife Gloria and together they enjoyed retirement.  Retirement for Dick involved playing golf on a daily basis at Alderbrook Golf directly across the street from their home in Tillamook.  He continued his coaching by teaching Gloria to play golf – trying his best!!  He enjoyed golfing with special friends, going on trips that also included wives. 

Dick and Gloria traveled extensively.  Dick’s first overseas trip was to Ireland and Scotland with his brother Howard and wife Marymae. Dick said the best part of that trip was spending three weeks with his brother – the most time together since Dick was 16 years old.  Two different trips to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament attending the sweet 16 and final four games.  More overseas adventures were a trip to turkey and Greece; Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and Italy and were in Rome on 9-11. A month was spent in New Zealand with a daughter and family of Gloria during the America’s Cup was happening.  Their last overseas trip was to Scandinavia, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.

Dick and Gloria purchased a home in Casa Grande, Arizona where they lived for five winters.  Tennis now filled his days – doubles of course; a little golf too; dancing; and volunteering his carpentry skills to monitor woodshop. He made 28 wood game boards for a game called “Murder.” Most were given away with several of his grandkids owning a board.

After selling their place in Arizona and having been blessed with 14 grandkids; their time was spent watching their grandchildren’s sporting events, including volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, track, tennis and football.

Dick was a great man – he loved family, people, places and good competition.  He loved his yellow dog and their walks on the beach and at the river.  He also enjoyed lots of beach time with the grandkids too.

After selling their home in Tillamook, Dick and Gloria moved to Cathlamet, Washington permanently three years ago. 

He is survived by his wife Gloria Johnson; sons Lindsey Johnson and Joe Johnson; stepchildren Kate Brown, Carol Miller, Susan Searle and Steve Leitz; grandchildren Kennady, Jaxsen, Makinley, Abi, Joe, Braden, Makenzie, Alex, Jessica, Zachary, Ellie, Jake, Megan and Parker; many nieces and nephews; and many other much-loved family members and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Catherine “Trudy” Johnson; sister Paula Conner; and brother Howard Johnson.

Remembrances may be made in Dick's memory to either Wahkiakum High School in Cathlamet, Washington, or Tillamook High School in Tillamook, Oregon or Grants Pass High School in Grants Pass, Oregon for their athletic programs.

A funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors.

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