Arvid Leroy Johanson

1931 - 2013

Arvid Leroy Johanson

October 30, 1931 - January 25, 2013

SALEM - Arvid, a beloved husband and father, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, January 25, 2013. He died peacefully at the Independence Health and Rehabilitation Center, after an extended illness, with his wife of 61 years by his side. Arvid was born in Sidney, Montana, to Andrew and Hazel (Glendenning) Johanson; he was the oldest of six children.

Arvid was devoted to serving God and family. He was a man of many talents. As a teenager, Arvid worked on a ranch in eastern Montana and attended school in Sidney. Later he moved to Butte, Montana, where he worked at The Anaconda Smelter. In 1950, Arvid met his wife-to-be, Joan Stroup, and they married one year later in 1951. Seven months after their marriage, Arvid was drafted into the army. He served two years in Germany during the Korean War. Arvid returned to Butte where he worked in the mines for a season, and later for McLauchlin Brothers Construction Company, where he learned the brick masonry trade. In 1963, Arvid moved his family to Salem, Oregon, where there were better job opportunities. He continued to work in construction until he opened his own business, Johanson Masonry, in 1968. Arvid was known for his brick, stone, and tile work throughout the valley and Oregon coast. During Oregon's building recession, in 1983, Arvid gained employment with the U.S. Post Office in Tacoma, WA., where he worked for approximately one year. Weary of driving home every weekend, Arvid transferred to the Corvallis Post Office. He retired May 30, 1997.

While working full time, Arvid attended Bibleon Bible Seminary, where he later became an instructor. Arvid was ordained in ministry and served as the associate pastor at Salem Bible Church for many years, under the tutelage of Pastor Ernest Campbell. Arvid founded the Macleay Bible Church in 1988, where he served as the pastor until he became ill in 2008. Arvid served as chairman of the board of directors for Bible Teaching Incorporated for 27 years; he lead the Salem Christian boys club for several years; he had a Bible teaching radio program, The Macleay Bible Hour, on KCCS (Salem) and KWIL (Albany) for approximately 14 years; he spoke at Bible conferences in Washington, California, and Oregon. Arvid had extraordinary love and knowledge of the Bible, and loved teaching it with a touch of humor. Arvid was a man of integrity and conviction, who would not accept payment for any Bible teaching.

Arvid's hobbies included reading, fishing, and golfing. When younger, Arvid enjoyed bowling and in 1994, M&M Bowl named him "Bowler of the Year". As a reward for this honor, Arvid was allowed to bowl with the professionals when "Bowling with the Pros" came to Portland. Arvid loved spending time at the Oregon coast and camping in his R.V. Arvid had a love for life, and threw himself fully into everything he participated in.

Arvid is survived by his wife, Joan Johanson; three daughters: Deborah Johanson, Terri Hamblen, and Rebecca Lucas, six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; siblings: Don Johanson, Evelyn Saxton, Jerry Johanson, Connie Shelton, and Carol Edwards; and several in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00pm, on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at Canyonview Camp, Oak Lodge, 13000 Finlay Road NE, Silverton. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be to: Canyonview Camp, P.O. Box 128, Silverton, OR. 97381. Arrangements by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.