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C. Johnson Obituary
He served in the Pacific Theater of WWII on the USS Nashville (cl-43) as a radioman. Following WWII he attended the Edwin Burnley School of Fine Arts in Seattle on the GI bill. Alan was married November 3, 1950 to Suzanne Louise Cox and they had three children Laurie, Brian and Keith.
Alan was a talented sculptor and watercolorist and the designer of the much loved Alaska Figurines. With his artist wife, he co-founded the C. Alan Johnson Co. in 1958. They produced artwork for 48 years, until 2006, when he retired at the age of 80 and they closed the business. He completed his last painting in 2010 which depicts the FV Thelma C, a historic Alaska salmon fishing boat.
Alan loved music and folk dance, and taught himself to play Scandinavian style fiddle music in 1968. He was a founding member of the Rollingbay Fiddlers and performed in many festivals including Seattle Folklife and Scandia Midsommarfest. He was one of the musicians invited to perform at the Bicentennial Festival of American Folklife in Washington DC in 1976. Over the years friends would come over to his home for jam sessions, and he was playing fiddle music with two of them four days before his passing.
He was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend, who shared his art, music, dry wit and gentle spirit with everyone throughout his life. The seeds of creativity he planted in us all will continue to grow and be a living legacy for many years to come.
Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Allen Johnson and Mildred Edith Schwartz and his sister, Doreen Mildred Pomeroy
He is survived by his wife Suzanne Cox Johnson; sister Ann Lenora Hansen; brother-in- law Dale Victor Cox; daughter Laurie Ann (Johnson) Lassesen and her husband Kenneth Martinus Lassesen; son, Brian Dale Johnson and his wife Kristin Stahl-Johnson; son Keith Alan Johnson and his wife Juliann (Juli) Cowan; four grandchildren, Alanna, David, Christopher, and Anna and her husband Emad, and two step-grandchildren, Annica and Emmeli.
An online memorial can be seen at www.poulsbomortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for C. Johnson
Sponsored by Gloria Jean Childers.
Gretchen DeBoer
April 19, 2021
I was so sorry to hear that Mr. Johnson passed away. I was born and raised in Ketchikan and can remember my grandmother having a couple of his pieces that I loved. When I got married we started collecting some beautiful pieces. My husband always wanted to go gold panning so when I saw the figurine of a gold panner at Tom Sawyers I wanted to purchase it. The lady waiting on me said if you want to come back Mr. Johnson will be here and be glad to sign it for you. Of course I went back and he signed it to my husband. My husband passed away a few years ago and that was the one thing my son wanted of his because he knew how much his dad loved it. Thank you so much for all of the beautiful pieces I have and the memories each one has for me.
Phyllis Roberts-Morehead
October 3, 2018
I am sadden to hear of Mr. Johnson's passing. Only last weekend I was in Polsbou, Wa. to seek out his studiot. I am a collector of several of his pieces, the only thing I wanted when I left Fairbanks. I love to look at my pieces with fond memories of my 18 years in Alaska. Mr. Johnson and I had the pleasure of displaying an Alaskan Christmas Tree for the Down Syndrome of Southern Nevada's "Festival of Trees and Lights." I had already collected my pieces when he took me on a tour of his studio in Poulsbo and it meant so much more to know the steps taken in compiling these figurines. He captured the Inuit people beautifully. Mr. Johnson was a kind, considerate gentleman with a big heart. I will always remember meeting he and his family for lunch that day.
With My Deepest Sympathy to his family.
Jim Costa
May 29, 2017
Some of my most treasured possessions are my Inuit figurines. Having spent time in Barrow, I've seen that Mr Johnson has captured the Inuit people. It's impossible to not love Bud's art. He will always be remembered and greatly missed. "Jack & Seekoo" warms my heart.
Gail Cochran
February 7, 2017
I just noticed that two of my favorite figurines are by Mr. Johnson. I have Benny from 1962 and Tocktoo from 1961. Love them.
Terri
August 29, 2016
I was fortunate enough to meet Mr Johnson at JC Penney back in the 1992 timeframe while working there. He signed all of my figurines and was so pleasant to talk with. I was truly inspired by him. He told me "when you find your passion, you won't grab it, it'll grab you"... I finished college and served an entire career as an Army Officer since then. Now I'm looking for my next passion, waiting for it to grab me! God bless you all. ~Retired Female Army Officer Combat Veteran
Terri
August 29, 2016
I was fortunate enough to meet Mr Johnson at JC Penney back in the 1992 timeframe while working there. He signed all of my figurines and was so pleasant to talk with. I was truly inspired by him. He told me "when you find your passion, you won't grab it, it'll grab you"... I finished college and served an entire career as an Army Officer since then. Now I'm looking for my next passion, waiting for it to grab me! ~Retired Female Army Officer Combat Veteran
Keith Alan Johnson
September 27, 2015
Teresa Barchuk
November 18, 2014
WHat brightens my day is looking at the few pieces of his art.
I enjoyed our phone conversation with you Mrs. Johnson a while back and it makes his life and yours more precious than just an item of art.
Thank you
Teresa
Laurie (Johnson) Lassesen
November 9, 2014
We dearly love seeing these comments on Dad's guestbook. Each time one comes in, it brightens the day! Thank you :)
Michelle Kazmac
November 8, 2014
His figurines are delightful. I started collecting them in my teens and do so today at 50. Blessings to his family!
October 4, 2014
I bought my first figurine when we were in Anchorage in 1999 in JCPenny's . Since that time I purchased more and received some as birthday and anniversary gifts from my husband. I now own a collection of 40 figurines. We were so saddened to hear "Bud" retired and now to see on my IPAD that he has passed away. His artwork is my treasure. My condolences to all the family. Sincerely, Carol Hilar of Eveleth, Minnesota
Tom and Julie Dunlap
July 22, 2014
We did not know of Buds passing and want to send our condolences to all the family. We were so happy to meet Bud and Suzanne a few years ago at there home. My aunt Ellen Henne/Goodale and uncle Harvey Goodale (artists) and Gracie my niece knew your family well up in Anchorage many years ago and it was fun to share some of those memories with us when we visited. We have many figurines and we have cherished them for a long time and will continue to. Thinking of you all.
Lauretta Flower
April 3, 2014
What a amazing man and artist.I just found 3 of his wonderful prints today.What a great artist he was.
Deborah Flint
February 12, 2014
I got my first figurine in 1991 when we lived at Ft. Wainwright near Fairbanks and am still collecting! Thanks to the family for supporting him and his work. It is beautiful! My children each have a figurine to remind them of their Alaskan birth. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you!
Lisa Messmer
January 13, 2014
I just read about his passing... I am an avid collector of his beautiful artwork... I have 35 figurines, 5 prints, 2 pewter figurines, 1 whale necklace and now my newest 1 Rebecca mug... I will continue to search and find more pieces for my collection... he will stay alive in our home for ever..... my prayers are with your family...
dave flavin
October 1, 2013
I sold dozens of his figurines at JCPenny Anchorage in the 1990's. He was always gracious, and willing to sign his figurines. A class act that will not be forgotten.
Gloria Childers
April 25, 2013
You are most welcome. He will live on through his work. My prayers go out to all the family.
Most Sincerely, Gloria J Childers
Laurie (Johnson) Lassesen
April 24, 2013
To Gloria Jean Childers, who arranged for the permanent online presence of Dad's guestbook. Thank you so much for your thoughtful and generous gift in his memory.
Gloria Childers
April 23, 2013
C. Alan (Bud) Johnson
June 25, 1926 ~ to March 15, 2013
Bainbridge Island, Washington
RIP
Little Friends From Alaska
Gloria Childers
April 23, 2013
A wonderful artist and true talent will be missed. I have several of his pieces of art.
Mike & Margaret O'Malley
April 9, 2013
to the Johnson family we send love. we were sadden to see Bud's passing in the paper and it immediately brought fond memories of your love and kindness to us. Bud will be truly missed by many.
Cindy Ellis
April 8, 2013
Tonight I was looking around my room and loving my collection of Bud's watercolors and figurines. Out of the blue I googled C.Allen Johnson and saw the obituary. He is so loved and will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to the family. I'm so sorry. He was a wonderful man. He always was so humble, kind and generous. I worked for Bud and Suzanne for several years. The best job I ever had. He always told me to take care of family and children first then my job. I loved my job so much and thought Wow I get a paycheck for all this fun! I've missed them so much. Suzanne and family, I would love to hear from you, Much Love, Cindy my e-mail: [email protected]
Paula Carpenter
April 7, 2013
We were so saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Johnson. Please accept our sincere condolences. We were privileged to have collected many of his figurines over the last 40 years, not only for ourselves, but primarily on behalf of my mother and my mother-in-law. Their C Alan Johnson figurines were among their most prized possessions. My children fondly remember going with Grandma to choose the color/design of the newly released figurine, or going to shop for one for a gift for their other Grandma for a special occasion. Several times, we were able to have figurines or posters signed by Mr. Johnson and tell him in person how much we all loved his work. He was always very gracious.
Again, we are so sorry for your great loss. We will keep him, and you all, in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless You All!
Brenda Theyers
April 7, 2013
My condolences to the whole family.
Brian, I met your Dad once in Kodiak and thought he was such an interesting person. (I also remember he spoke very highly of you.) I know he'll be sorely missed.
Jan & Brian Lackie
April 1, 2013
I was deeply saddened to hear of Bud's passing .. he was a strong presense in my childhood. I remember him and his beautiful wife Suzanne from some of my earliest days in sunday school. he was always a kind and warm person to all.
our sympathies to all his family - from Jan (Kutz) and Brian Lackie
Connie Godwin
March 31, 2013
Our hearts go out to the Johnson family and hope they all know how much those of us who only may have met Bud once or twice felt honored to know such a talent and truly loved him for his work. We cherish our figurines, now prominently displayed at our house for all friends and family to enjoy. How lucky we are as Alaskans to have had him care so much about Alaska. He'll never be forgotten.
Phoebe E
March 31, 2013
My deepest condolences. May the God of all comfort give you the strength to cope.
Ruth Thomas
March 30, 2013
I used to work for C Alan Johnson Co. I enjoyed his wit and humor. I am now living in Bellingham, WA in an assisted living facility. Would appreciate getting an e-mail from Suzanne or Keith. Address: [email protected]
Jill Warburton
March 26, 2013
It was with sadness, that I read of Bud Johnson's passing. As a lifelong Alaskan, I have been a fan of not only his work but of his wife Suzanne's as well. Their imprint on Alaskan's and the lifestlye they shared and showed in their work, will be remembered for years to come. Having always been a fan of the statues he made, I remember him telling me that he would spend time in the villages and take pictures of his subjects. The actual names of the elders and childern would be written underneath. Such a special man - who always took the time to chat and say hello whenever he was in town. I know your family will miss your precense in their lives but have many who will remember him as well, for all that he gave back to Alaska.
L Groh
March 26, 2013
The Johnson figurines are cherished by all who own them and he and his family have left a lasting impression with his talents. May he rest in peace. L. Groh
Ellie Bowron
March 26, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
March 26, 2013
While I have not met Mr. Johnson, I admired his art work and have enjoyed many of his Native figurines which I have collected. my condolences to the family.
Marie, Anchorage
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