Eugene W. “Gene” Johnson, 90, passed away on July 22, 2014.
Gene was born January 31, 1924 to Earl and Carolyn (Moore) Johnson in Seattle. His family later moved to Sedro-Woolley.
Gene was a 1942 SWHS graduate and went on to serve in the 97th Infantry Division of the United States Army. He served in WWII and was a prisoner of war held in Czechoslovakia for 3 months. After returning from war Gene attended Western Washington College of Education (WWU) where he graduated with his teaching certificate in 1949.
Gene was united in marriage to Maureen Sawyer in 1949. They made their first home in Rockport, WA where they both worked for the Concrete School District. In 1954 they moved to Big Lake where they raised their sons, Steven and Michael.
He started his 31 year career for the Sedro-Woolley School District in 1954. Gene was both a teacher and principal at Big Lake Elementary and principal at Clear Lake Elementary.
Gene was involved with the American Legion Post No. 43, Elks Lodge #1604, Masonic Lodge No. 38, Sedro-Woolley High School Alumni Association, Jerry O. Lafayette VFW Post #5056, Elks Scholarship Committee, Skagit County Sewer District No. 2 Commissioner, Skagit County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, Retired Teachers Association, Big Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Big Lake Historical Society, United General Hospital’s Senior Fitness, and Bethlehem Lutheran Church. In 2008 Gene was inducted into the Sedro-Woolley School District’s Community Recognition Hall of Fame.
In 2004 Gene was united in marriage to Irene Jech.
Gene is survived by his wife, Irene of Big Lake; sons, Steven Johnson (Anita) of La Conner and Michael Johnson (Tracy) of Marysville; 3 grandchildren Chad Johnson (Anna) of Bellingham, Kristi Johnson of Sedro-Woolley and Amanda Cope (Seth) of Monroe; 3 great-grandsons Jackson, Casey and Ira of Bellingham and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marilyn; wife of 51 years, Maureen, and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.
Gene Johnson served his country, his community and his students and staff with dedication and a sense of humor. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on August 2, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the SWHS Auditorium. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sedro-Woolley High School Alumni Association, PO Box 509 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.
Gene and my Grandfather (Fred Martin JR) had a true lasting friendship that lasted for decades, Gene always had me laughing and him and my Grandfather were just too much fun when they were together, there both now probably having the time of their lives up there making everyone laugh!
Thanks Gene for always being there for the Martin family.
Shawn
Gene was a wonderful person he will be missed .Prayer for all .
Mr, Johnson was my teacher and principal in 1958 1959 at Big Lake school. This was a very hard time for my family and for me as a young girl. We often did not have enough to eat at home. Somehow he knew this and gave my a “job” folding the gym towels to earn my school lunch. This was done in a way that made me feel that I was being given a responsibility not a charity. I meant a lot at that critical time. It is these little things that add up to a life well lived. Thank you.
I have known Gene for the past 30 years and have never known a finer gentleman. Our association began as I was an officer of the Mount Vernon Elks Lodge and Gene was the lodge Scholarship Chairman, a position he held until a few years ago. He did an outstanding job but always had time to offer support and best of all kept everyone laughing at his jokes. I will miss him but will always remember him as a dear friend and a great Elk member.
Gene was my principal in 1966-67 when I taught kindergarten in Big Lake. It was my first teaching job. May he rest in peace.
Gene Johnson was my 4th and 5th grade teacher in Rockport in 1953 and 1954. Gene and Maureen and baby lived in a tiny house next to the school. Rockport had a 2-room school house with 3 grades in each room; he was a wonderful teacher and a super nice man. I saw him about 10 years ago and he still remembered me—made me happy!!
We lost a great elk with Genes passing RIP my freind
To Irene and family
In the last 20 years I have in joyed my time with Gene he has been a great supporter for the fire dept. His smile and quick whit we will miss him .
Chief Berg and my Two son’s Dalton and Ryan
Gene hired me to be the secretary at Clear Lake in 1972. We became great friends and loved working together at Clear Lake….he was a great boss……kids, parents and community loved Gene and he loved them.
I will miss him as will my family.
I think of the times we laughed and talked and cared.
Sharing our thoughts and concerns on lots of subjects.
We were friends and I took great pleasure working for him.
Now my friend is gone but my life will always be richer for having him for a friend.
Peggy Suryan