Carl Erling Johnson

Erling Johnson passed away peacefully on Friday, October 4, 2013, at the age of 87.

Carl "Erling" Johnson was born June 15, 1926 in Bellingham, Washington to Swedish immigrant parents, Charles Lenius Johnson and Hjilma Marie Olson Johnson. Erling grew up with his older brother Larry working along side his father in many building projects. Erling attended the "Normal School" on the campus of what is now Western Washington University. At Bellingham High School, Erling excelled in football and basketball as a "Bellingham Red Raider". Upon graduating in 1945, Erling enlisted in the Air Force and proudly served his country stationed at Okinawa, Japan as a B-29 mechanic.

In 1947, Erling enrolled in the University of Washington and became part of the Husky football tradition. He played defensive end and linebacker for the Huskies from 1947-1951 when he graduated. Erling was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity where he made many life-long friends. After graduation, Erling continued playing football for the semi-pro team, Seattle Ramblers. In 2006, Erling was inducted into the Pacific Northwest Football Hall of Fame.

On July 10, 1954, Erling married the love of his life, Phyllis Joanne Erickson. Erling and Phyllis went on to have three boys, Darrell, Keith and Warren. They raised their family in their beautiful north Seattle home and spent many happy times working on projects, spending the weekends skiing, boating, golfing, and most of all attending Husky football games.

Erling served the construction industry for over 50 years as an independent Manufacturer's Representative, enjoying a fulfilling career as a business owner with his wife and sons Keith and Darrell. Erling was involved with the NW Rental Association and the American Rental Association. Erling held life-long memberships with the Washington Athletic Club and Elks Club. He was a former member of Sand Point Country Club and a current member of Skagit Golf & Country Club. Not one to retire, Erling worked along side his family until his recent decline from dementia related illness.

Erling and Phyllis enjoyed time at their beach house in LaConner, Washington, gathering the family for 4th of July celebrations, Thanksgiving dinners, and summers of boating and catching as many Dungeness crab as legally possible.

Erling is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Phyllis, sons Darrell (JoAnn), Keith (Cindy), Warren (Maureen); six grandchildren, Diana, Eric, Kenny, Michael, Andy, and Peter. He is also survived by his brother Larry (Naomi) and his family, and sister-in-law Helen Marie Harris and her family.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, October 17th at Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church. Please join the family for the memorial at 2:00pm, with reception to follow. Arrangements made by Acacia Funeral Home.

Remembrances may be made in Erling's name to the UW Medicine Neurosciences Institute or the Alzheimer's Association.