Douglas Lars Johnson

Douglas Lars Johnson, 81, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, in Medical Lake, Wash.

Doug was born on Sept. 5, 1944, in Spokane, Wash., to Fred Lars Johnson and Naomi Joyce Hardenbrook. He was raised on the family dairy farm in Medical Lake alongside his brother, Randy Johnson, and sister, Candy Lee.

The Johnson farm was more than just a place to work - it was a gathering place for family. Weekends were filled with relatives, laughter, and hard work, and it was common for twenty or more family members to gather at the farm. Those memories of close family ties and shared work left a lasting impression on Doug and shaped the way he lived his life.

Doug later settled near Reardan, Washington, where he raised his own family and carried forward the same strong values of family, hard work, and community. Farming remained an important part of his early life, and after stepping away from farming, he continued his career working for Western Farm Service. Later, he found a long-term home at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, where he worked for more than twenty years.

Doug was known for being social, generous, and always willing to lend a hand. He loved gardening and took pride in sharing the harvest from his gardens with family, friends, and neighbors. If you came to spend time with Doug, chances were good you would end up helping with a project. Through those moments, he passed on a strong work ethic to his children and grandchildren.

Doug and his wife, Donna Johnson, shared 43 years of marriage and many of the same passions. Together, they transformed their homes and properties into beautiful retreats with carefully maintained yards and gardens. The Oregon Coast held a special place in their hearts, and they spent a period of time living there. During that time, Doug worked at the Tillamook Cheese Factory, where he even learned the craft of smoking cheese.

Doug had a lifelong appreciation for trains, gardening, fishing, and keeping an immaculate yard. He also served his community as a volunteer firefighter in Espanola, Wash., something he was proud to do in support of his neighbors. When the yard work allowed, he would occasionally sneak away to enjoy a quiet day of fishing. His love for fishing became especially meaningful when he shared it with his grandchildren, who affectionately gave him the nickname "Grandpa Fishy."

Doug is survived by his loving wife, Donna Johnson; his children, Barbra Bondeson, Annette Johnson, Debbie Laforce, and Ken Johnson; as well as many grandchildren, extended family members, and friends who will remember his generosity, humor, and dedication to family. He was preceded in death by his son, Johnny Millen.

Doug's life was defined by family, hard work, and a love of the simple things-good soil, a tidy yard, time spent with loved ones, and the satisfaction of building something with your own hands. His legacy lives on through the values he instilled in his family and the memories shared by those who knew him.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Family will gather at 1 p.m., April 12, 2026, at 620 N. Stanley St., Medical Lake, Wash., to celebrate Dad's life.