Lawrence N. Johnson

07/12/1913 - 05/06/2011

JOHNSON, Lawrence N.
(Age 97)

Long Time Marine Industry icon, Lawrence Nels Johnson, founder of EZ Loader Boat Trailers, Inc, passed away peacefully Friday, May 6, 2011. Family and friends gathered on that day in his room at Rockwood Manor to say goodbye.
Larry was born in Spokane on July 12, 1913, the son of Pearl and Nels Johnson. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1932. After high school, he attended an Engineering Trade School, and then worked at Felts Field repairing military vehicles as part of the Washington Air Guard. Larry married Doris Jane Bissell on June 3, 1939 also of Spokane. He became a partner in an auto body shop, United Body and Fender where he began his interest in building a better boat trailer. His inventive mind and desire for a good trailer for his boat led him to design the first self-adjusting roller system. In 1953 the EZ Loader Trailer, with Larry's patent and design was born. His love for the water and boats led him to create over 14 patented designs as he continued to improve the trailers. Even into his 90s he continued to patent his trailer designs as well as other inventions. Larry was President and CEO of the largest trailer manufacturer in the country.
When Larry was not inventing something, he was enjoying his time on the lake. He built his first cabin on Hauser Lake where he spent summers with his wife and sons until he moved his summer location to Coeur d'Alene Lake in the 60's. He loved to take his grandkids and friends sailing, especially in the evenings to watch the moon rise over the hills. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, golfing and waterskiing. He was also a member of the Glastonbury Society at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Swimming, boating, and enjoying dinner parties on the lake with family and friends continued to be his favorite past time until the end. One of his favorite parting comments was, "Be Good! And, if you can't be good, be careful!" We will miss him, his wit, and wisdom.
He is survived by two sons and their wives, Marc Johnson and wife Beth, and Randy Johnson and wife Paula. His special love, Marie Salisbury, survives him, along with six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. His wife Doris Jane, who passed away on January 22, 1991, precedes him in death. A piece of Larry will remain in our hearts and minds forever as he sails to new shores.
Memorial Services will be 1:00 PM, Friday, May 13th at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 5720 S. Perry Street, Spokane, with a reception to follow. Family suggests that memorials be made to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Hospice of Spokane, or Rockwood Manor. Our thanks and gratitude goes to Rockwood Manor's nurses and staff for the kind and gentle care they gave, and to Hospice for their support and special care for Larry and his family.