EDWARD JOHNSON

Edward B. "Ted" Johnson Our dear "Teddy Bear/ Poppy" passed away 1/12/2011 at the age of 78, surrounded by his loving family. He was born 4/7/1932 in Superior, Wisconsin, and grew up in North Tacoma with parents Ernestine Van Evera and Norman L. Johnson. Ted graduated from Puget Sound Naval Academy and was honored with an award for "all around good guy" and remained just that throughout his life. He served in the US Navy Submarine Service as Engineman Second Class, and was a member of the Underwater Demolition Team. In 1963 Ted and his family moved to the Lakeside Country Club in Lakewood, WA which remains the family home today. Ted was an avid sportsman and looked forward to annual hunting trips with cousin Teddy Nelson and several longtime buddies. He also enjoyed ballroom dancing. He was past president of Lake City Merchants Association, Lake City Sportsman Club, Lakeside Country Club and the Lake City Community Club, where he organized a successful youth branch for teenagers, chaperoning many dances and activities. He enjoyed membership in the Day Island Yacht Club and Lakewood Unlimited, and was an Elk for 53 years. He was owner/operator of the Ted's Lake City Arco, after which he enjoyed a long and well-deserved retirement. He was a strong and positive influence on many youth in his community, and his grandchildren, their friends and neighborhood kids fondly remember "Teddy Bear Camp" at the lake each summer. Teddy Bear guided and inspired many youth, who all had great love and respect for him. He is survived by the love of his life and grade school sweetheart Leigh, daughters Karen (Neal) Veitenhans, Dedee (Garrett) Rick, and Marci Johnson, grandchildren Meagan, Lindsey, Mark and Nicole, 5 great-grandchildren, and sister Faye. He was preceded in death by his grandson Stacy. The family would like to thank the wonderful team at Franciscan Hospice, whose care and compassion was invaluable. At Ted's request the family will hold a Celebration of Life "party" at 3 pm Saturday 1/29/2011 at the Lakeside Club, corner of Veteran's Drive and Pine Street SW in Lakewood, WA. Memorial donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of South Sound, Lakewood Branch. We invite you to visit our guest book at www.mountainviewtacoma.com "Save a dance, I'll be waiting!"