Albert M. Johnson

Albert M. Johnson 1918 ~ 2003  Albert Matthew Johnson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, Opa, Puta, and uncle, passed away quietly on June 23, 2003.  He was born June 1, 1918 in Hyrum, Cache County, Utah. He is the son of Albert Matthew Johnson and Margreat Reid. He was raised, with his brother Irvine Reid Johnson, in the Lund Home Orphanage for Boys in Centerville, Utah. Albert married Mary Lurena Saltzgiver on August 18, 1938, solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on May 14, 1957. Two children were born to this union, Larry Albert and Mary Lynda. After the death of Mary Lurena, the family was then again blessed when Albert married Elna Rae Corless on August 23, 1965, later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Albert loved his family deeply and all children. He especially loved his Father in Heaven and had the gift of communicating with Him through prayers and blessings. He was tremendously generous and giving. He would give away his last nickel or shirt to friend or stranger in order to comfort or better their lives. Albert was employed throughout the years by Union Pacific Railroad, Safeway, Burlington Trailways, Kennecott Copper, and was a Securities and Real Estate Salesman. He also served as a volunteer for 15 years at the Utah State Library for the Blind. But foremost, he served his Father in Heaven in numerous callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Albert was a gifted craftsman, artist, exceptional wood carver, jewelry maker and rock hound. Many recipients benefited from his generosity and great talents. He served as President of the Mineralogical Society of Utah and the Rocky Mountain Federation of the Mineralogical Societies. He was also Vice President of the National Mineralogical Society. He is survived by his loving wife Elna Rae; son Larry Albert (Erika); daughter Mary Lynda (George Thornton); seven grandchildren Eric, Mary (Alan Sawaya) and Lynda (E. Shane Denny) Johnson, John (Wendy), Mary Lurena (Donald Pugh), James (Lise) and Douglas Thornton; and 14 great-grandchildren. Services will be held Thurs., June 26, 2003 at 1 p.m., at the Murray 29th Ward, 6300 S. 700 W., Murray. Friends and family may call Wed., June 25, 2003 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, and 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. prior to the services at the church. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City  Cemetery.