Ray Charles Johnson, 81, of Kalama, WA passed away October 14, 2006 in Longview. He was born September 3, 1925 in Rolla, ND to Charles and Elvira (Koski) Johnson. He attended high school in Williams, MN but never stopped learning.
Ray began working on his grandfather's farm near Rolla at age 15. He was drafted into the Army during World War II and served from Feb. 1944 to May 1946 including a tour in the European Theatre where he earned two bronze battle stars.
Ray married Violet Moilanen on Jan. 5, 1952 in New York Mills. They were the parents of seven children, including four sons, Jerry, Jim, Dale and Robin (Jeanie Kay), all of Kalama, three daughters, Dawn Johnson-Deal, Paige (Craig) Bozarth of Kalama and Jean (Bob) Clark of Great Falls, MT. Ray leaves behind 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly.
Also surviving are three brothers, Walter (Pearl), Willard (Sue) of Sebeka and Russell (Casey) of Veteran, WY; four sisters, Hazel (Clifford) Moorman, Anna Chilgren, Grace (Noreen) Hanson, all of Baudette, MN, Edith Jensen of Kingsford, MI and half-sister Irene Gailfus of Rolla, ND.
Ray was preceded in death by a brother, Glen in 1984 and a great-grandson, Elijah Patrick James Ray Johnson in 2000.
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In Minnesota Ray was a farmer and drove a milk truck for the New York Mills Creamery. Prior to then he worked for Pioneer Engineering in Minneapolis for six years after a job with the highway and railroad departments.
The family moved to Washington in 1965 where Ray procured a job in the planer division of Weyerhauser in Longview. He retired in 1987 as a set-up man after 22 years of service.
Ray and Violet spent several summers in New York Mills where they enjoyed visiting relatives, old friends and neighbors.
Ray set the example of a good human being, strong and gentle, proud but humble. His sense of humor was quick but kind. He made many deep and lasting friendships which included his church family, Kalama United Methodist where he was an active member and the United Finnish Kaleva Brothers and Sisters where he was the Conductor for several years. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and a 15 year member of the Longview Eagles.
A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 18 at the Kalama United Methodist Church with Pastor Bonnie Frey officiating. Interment was at I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Arrangements were provided by Columbia Funeral Service.
