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Dennis Johnson Obituary


Dennis Keith Johnson

Dennis Keith Johnson, 59, of Everett, known to friends and family as Keith, passed away February 12, 2013. Keith fought a long and hard battle against Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), which he was diagnosed with in 2009.
Keith is survived by the love of his life, Pam whom he was married to for 34 years. He also leaves behind his son, Clint Johnson (April); daughter, Kristi Cruz (Jose); parents, Dennis and Renee Johnson; brothers, Mike Johnson (Vickie) and Rich Johnson; and seven grandchildren. Keith also leaves many other special aunts, uncles, cousins, in laws, nieces and nephews.
Keith was born January 25, 1954 on Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. He attended Central Washington University and it was there he met his wife Pam. Keith earned his Teaching Certification in Education. He taught Special Ed in Sitka, Alaska and both Eastern and Western Washington. He was also an avid sports fan and beloved coach. He taught for 23 years, often coaching boys basketball and track and field. In 2010, MSA forced an early retirement from the Granite Falls School District where he had taught and coached for 14 years.
During his years as a coach and teacher, Keith touched many lives and will always be remembered as a man full of grace and integrity.
His memorial service will be held at New Life Church in Everett, Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 5 p.m. 6830 Highland Dr, Everett, WA 98203.
Flowers are loved. Other donations may be made to:

Brain Support Network
http://brainsupportnetwork.org)
Providence Hospice
(www.providence.org/phhc)

or The Keith Johnson MSA Donation Account at any Key Bank.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Herald (Everett) from Feb. 20 to Feb. 22, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Johnson

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M Haro

March 7, 2013

This man will be truly missed...

Lars Axberg

March 4, 2013

Mr. Johnson Was an amazing man with a huge heart, I have many fond memories of being supported in all that did, be sports or life through coach johnson's words and actions, I especially remember spaghetti night every monday with tim marks at coach johnson's house:) So many things I could say here.... Coach johnson was honorable, generous, and well, what I hope I or any person should hope to be like.

Julie Walker

February 25, 2013

I will always remember Keith as a happy, friendly person. He was great to work with. He made such a big difference in so many lifes. It is amazing how many people he has inspired.
I also remember him talking alot about his kids - it was clear that he was a great dad.
Pam, Clint & Kristi - I am so sorry for your loss.

Greg and Clarice Drube

February 23, 2013

Our family appreciated all of the dedication, patience and positive influnce of Keith as a teacher, coach, and mentor. He (and Pam) have made a difference in the lives of so many young people in our community. His constant smile and boundless determination will be greatly missed! Our deepest sympathy for the entire Johnson family for their loss.

Sandy Hoerner

February 22, 2013

Keith Johnson...What an Amazing Man always time for anyone who needed it. You were a mentor and taught me many lessons I continue to use I am so Thankful I was able to work with you and Pam. My prayers go out to the Johnson Family May you take comfort in the many memories you have in your Hearts Love and God Bless

Nancy Gower Hulse

February 21, 2013

As one of the extended family, I will miss your quiet presence at the Riggs' family gatherings. You will be remembered by your family forever.

Shannon Malinosky

February 21, 2013

Keith you taught me so much during our farkle games. My motto "go a hundred, take chances" your motto "don't do it" and you always won:) It was only when I decided to try it your way that I actually one a game. I think that was the only game I did win against you. All this to say, thank you for teaching me so much (and you weren't even my school teacher:) you are a winner in many more ways than just farkel and I am so grateful to have known you. I will never forget your laugh/giggle even to the end you were giggling and laughing! You and Pam are a true testimony to what it looks like to live a life of faith. Thank you for being such a great and wonderful man of God. Love you my brother in Christ. You are dearly missed.

Cody Fifield

February 21, 2013

Dear Mr. Johnson, my English teacher of Freshman & Sophomore year (07-08). You were my favorite teacher at the Granite Falls High School and you kept me going through to graduate. Alice Cooper was a mutual artist we both liked which made me like you even more. I miss you and you wont be forgotten.

Robbie Travis

February 21, 2013

R.I.P. Mr. Johnson, you were my favorite high school teacher and taught me so much in my freshman threw junior years. I Will miss you truely as you were a great man and teacher as well, I will always remember you, Robbie

Benjamin Stark

February 20, 2013

Dear Mr. J,
You were a very big inspiration in High school on and off the court you always believed in my potential as a ball player and as a person. I thank you for all the memories.

-Ben

Liz Dibble-Anderson

February 20, 2013

Always will be remembered... RIP Mr Johnson

Theresa Bolyard

February 20, 2013

He was a wonderful man, a blessing to all. Our love and prayers to the family, The Bolyard Family

Katie White

February 20, 2013

Dear Mr. Johnson,
I will always remember you in class as I was a silly kid who goofed off and you always put me in place so I would do my work. I'm sending my condolences, love and prayers to your family and friends. Thank you for being a part of my life and being the best teacher to me and all the students who came into your life, you will be missed dearly by so many! God bless you with love Katie

Nikki Connor

February 20, 2013

Keith I cannot wrap my head around you being gone. It doesn't make sense at all to me. You were my friend and colleague. This is a terrible loss to the world in so many ways. Please know Keith that you are and will continue to be missed by a great many people. What you did for the kids in our community was truly a blessing.
Pam and family I wish I had the right words that would make you feel better but I'm not that eloquent. Just know that you are all in my thoughts, my wishes and my prayers.
Hugs,

Katie White

February 20, 2013

Dear Mr. Johnson, I will always remember you in class, I was a silly kid and you always put me in line so I would do my work. You where and is one of my favorite teachers! I send my condolences, love and prayers to your family and friends. Thank you for being a part of my life and being a wonderful teacher to me and all your students! God bless you love Katie.

Mike & Tammy Mills

February 20, 2013

Our condolences to the Johnson family during this difficult time.

Taigen Riggs

February 20, 2013

Kieth my brother-in-law but more importantly my brother in Christ, it was such a privilege to be a part of your life in these last days. What a testimony of the love of Christ you displayed in all that you did and said. Life is short but you made it full and now as you pass to the other side as Christ awaits I will not forget you ever.

Ryan Michalisin

February 20, 2013

I will always remember you, Keith, as the person who first welcomed me at GFHS. Your easy-going nature set me at ease right away. You lived your faith when life went your way and when it did not, always it seemed with an optimistic outlook. I am sorry that I missed the chance to say a proper goodbye.

Brittany Mathison

February 20, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr Johnson was an amazing teacher and friend. He has and always will be in my heart. He had a kind soul and had the ability to make anyone feel special. He will be missed dearly.

Andi Creed

February 20, 2013

So sorry for your loss Pam. God Bless you, your family and all those who loved Keith.

Jordan Cooley

February 20, 2013

Matthew 19:2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there. Keith you are no longer in pain nor suffering. You are so blessed and you were a great man of God! Thank you for loving everyone, for being a leader, and most importantly thank you for showing what it means to truly be a Christian! You are a great example to us all! I love you Keith! R.I.P.

Jordan Cooley

February 20, 2013

Keith (AKA Mr. Johnson) I am so blessed to have had you for Freshman year and Sophomore year for English! You were the best! I remember even when we struggled or weren't getting it and just wanted to give up, you were right there to HELP! You always gave a helping hand! I miss the jokes you always told! You were a WONDERFUL teacher! You will always be loved and missed! I love you Keith! R.I.P.

April Johnson

February 20, 2013

Keith,
You were an amazing teacher, coach and father in law. A person I looked up to and admired. Thank you for all the wonderful memories! You will be missed by many. I love you. <3

Wendy Cox

February 20, 2013

Pam, Clint & Kristi,
I am so sorry for the loss of Keith. He was a wonderful man and I am blessed to have had the chance to work with him. You are all in my prayers.

Riley Rettenmier

February 20, 2013

Uncle Keith - I learned so much from you in such a short window of time. I'm thankful for every minute Jessi, the kids and I got to spend with you while we all lived together. Keep the Farkle dice warm for us. We'll be there before too long. To say you will be missed is an understatement. Your life on earth will never, ever be forgotten. Love, Riley, Jessi, Brock & Quinn Rettenmier

February 20, 2013

Bob and I only met you once but you were a great encouragement to us.
It has been a comfort to connect with another family living with MSA and enveloped with God's grace. We look forward to knowing you better in eternity.

February 20, 2013

Keith was a wonderful caring teacher who touched many young lives in a positive way.
Thank you Keith, for the education and guidance you gave my son.
Sorry to his family for the loss.
Debi Remillard

So sorry for the loss of a very kind man.
Till you meet again,

February 20, 2013

Keith, you lived a life of grace and integrity before me, and all others. Thank you for your testimony of Christ even though your last years were an unbelievable challenge. You mean the world to me. I look forward to seeing you again someday in heaven. Love you always. Your sister-in-law, Barb

Clint Johnson

February 20, 2013

It is so difficult to accept that you are really gone. It seems so unreal. Thank you for all the great times. I wanted to have so much more time with you. I try not to think about all of the future events that you will not around for . . . it just hurts too much. I love you dad!

Kristi Cruz

February 20, 2013

I love you Dad, I couldn't have asked for a better father.

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