ROBERT K. JOHNSEN, 78, a resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away on Monday June 16, 2003 at the Mira Vista Care Center in Mount Vernon.
He was born on June 26, 1924 in Mount Vernon, WA, one of identical twin sons of Arthur & Verlie Porter Johnsen. He was raised and attended school in Mount Vernon, graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1943.
He then served in the U.S. Army during WW II. In 1946 he married Shirley Ensign and they made their home in Mount Vernon where Bob attended Skagit Valley College, and then Western Washington College where he graduated with a degree in education in 1949.
He began a teaching career in Clear Lake, WA with the Sedro-Woolley School District, and attended Columbia University in the summers from which he received his Masters Degree in Education. He was a teaching Principal in Boistfort, WA, later moving to Belfair, WA where he helped create the North Mason School District. In 1964 he moved to Buckley, WA where he was Superintendent of the White River School District until coming to Sedro-Woolley in 1966. He served as the school district superintendent there until 1970 when he accepted the position of superintendent for the Oak Harbor School District.
After his retirement in 1977 he went on to dabble in real estate. He also spent a number of his retirement years organizing trips for senior travelers to locations all over the world.
Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley at the family home in Sedro-Woolley. 1 son, Robert A. Johnsen and his wife Deb of Deer Park, WA. 1 daughter, Kristin Johnsen and her husband John Braden of Seattle. 2 grandchildren, Stephen and Kayla Johnsen of Montana, and 2 step-grandchildren, William and Anna Braden of Seattle.
His twin brother, William R. Johnsen and his wife Mary Lou of Monterey, CA and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents. The family suggests memorials be made to the WSSRTA, 1407 S.R. 9, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.
A Life Celebration for Bob Johnsen will be held on Friday, June 20, 2003 at 2:00 PM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley.
Cremation arrangements under direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share thoughts and memories of Bob and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com