Donald Gunnar Johnson

Donald Gunnar Johnson

Donald Gunnar Johnson, 83, of Shoreline, Washington, passed away July 3, 2012, of natural causes. Born October 5, 1928, to Byrdice and Gunnar Johnson of Steilacoom, Washington, Don attended Steilacoom Pioneer Grade School and graduated from Clover Park High School. Don also attended Pacific Lutheran College and graduated from Washington State University. A loyal fan of WSU, Don could often be seen wearing his Cougars cap. After serving honorably in the US Army, Don worked a long and distinguished career with the Washington State Department of Game. He had many stories of his adventures in the wilderness of Alaska and Washington. He enjoyed fishing and was an accomplished authority on local species of edible wild mushrooms. A formidable opponent on the table tennis court, he won many awards. He was married to Julia M. Johnson and they enjoyed 24 years of marriage. He is preceded in death by his wife and his sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Louise Lucas. Don is survived by his brother Douglas S. Johnson, son Christopher K. Johnson, daughter Kathy Ann Curtis-Johnson, grandchildren Nichole, Courtney, Kailey and Makenzie. Also, his nephews Robert and Barry Lucas and Gunnar Johnson, niece Jeannine Lucas and grand nieces Hope Lucas and Julia Garibaldi. Don is also survived by the loving extended family of his beloved wife--sons Bryan and Michael York, daughter Wendy Clark, and grandchildren Matthew and Christopher York, Kajsa Castro and Devin Clark. In respect of his wishes, there will be no formal memorial service. His family will scatter his ashes over the water he loved so much in Steilacoom. Donations can be made in Don's name to a charity of your choice.