Thomas F. “Tom” Johnson, 85, a longtime resident of the Concrete community, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at the Mira Vista Care Center in Mount Vernon.
Tom was born on June 25, 1928 in Bremerton, Washington, one of three sons of Roy & Josephine (Zugelder) Johnson. The family later moved to Sequim on the Olympic Peninsula where Tom was raised and attended school.
As a teenager Tom began a long career in the logging industry, driving log trucks. He took a break from logging when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict in 1952. During his enlistment he served in Germany. He was discharged in 1956.
In the early 1960’s Tom moved to Concrete where he again worked in the logging industry, working as a shovel and a tower operator and truck driver. He and his brothers later began Johnson Brothers Logging which they operated together for many years, doing a lot of contract work for Scott Paper.
In 1967, Tom began seeing Mary Holyfield, and after a whirlwind courtship, they found themselves at the Catholic Church in Sedro-Woolley on March 25, 1967, and there they were united in marriage. The story of “Tom & Mary” began. A two week honeymoon, and they were back home in Concrete, where Mary stood by his side all the years, while he ran his logging business, and took her to Reno from time to time to try to outwit “Lady Luck!” They spent 46 years together in Concrete, where, when anyone mentioned logging, your mind automatically registered: “Johnson Brothers!”
He and Mary spent many years traveling the country, and snowbirding in Yuma, AZ in their RV. Tom also enjoyed gardening and fishing, catching marlin in Hawaii and Mexico, and restoring his 1952 Peterbilt log truck, which he worked on for nine years until completed. He was happiest when he was out in the shop tinkering with that truck, and showing it off during the annual lawn party in August, which they held every year. Tom enjoyed his life, and considered it a good one. He had no regrets, and was not bitter about the struggles with his health. He was also a life member of the Elks Lodge, and a member of the American Legion, Post 132 in Concrete and the Sedro-Woolley Eagles.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 1:00 PM at the CCD Center in Concrete.
The family requests that memorials be made to Aero-Skagit Med 7 or a charity of your choice. Private inurnment will be held at a later date.
Mary so sorry to read of Tom passing I had look for another an just saw Betty an now Tom’s we use to all have some good times in Reno he was a good man R.I.P Tom .My prayers are with you Mary an the families
I am very sorry for your loss. I just became aware a couple days ago that Tom gad passed. Floyd and I were gone
over the holidays but want you to know we both thought highly of Tom.
Of course I remember when I was in high school and Tom and Mary
were very generous to me, letting me hang around whenever I wanted.
Mary and family again we know your losses have been many in recent
months/years all the best to you and you are in our thoughts.
Deanna and Floyd
To Mary and family. My deepest sympathy to all of you. Tom is the best man I ever worked for.
Mary and family- So sorry for your loss. Tom was so friendly and will be missed by many. May your memories help you through this time.
Elena Balzar Harp
To Mary and family. Our deepest sympathies to all of you. Tom was an amazing man, with great strength and a kind heart. He worked hard all of his life and loved the woods, but loved to travel and enjoyed entertaining many friends and family in his yard at Concretes Good Old Days. He always had a smile and a welcome home. Tom loved to travel and both of you saw a lot of the country and many trips to Yuma. We had a good visit the last time we came by your house and I know Tom enjoyed seeing us, he even made several trips to the beauty shop for haircuts when it wasn’t easy for him to go to the barbershop in Sedro Woolley. Tom will be missed by all who knew him but his memory lives on.