Gilbert L. Johnson

Gilbert L. Johnson died Feb. 7, 2007, at his home in Boise, where he wanted to be with his family and two black Scotties, Pepper and Penny. Born in Salem, Ore., May 21, 1918, to James and Lizzie Johnson, Gilbert moved to Nampa at age two. He attended elementary schools in Boise, Nampa and Eagle. He graduated Boise High School in 1937, where he lettered in track. In 1936, he won the mile run at the Southwest Idaho sub-district meet, with a time of 5:01.5. From March 1939 to January 1941, he served in the Idaho National Guard. From January to September 1941, he served in the U.S. Army; he was honorably discharged to work for Morrison Knudsen. On Dec. 7, 1941, he was building runways on Midway Island. After completing his contract with MK, he returned to Boise and reenlisted in the Army in October 1942. Stateside, he served in North Carolina, Texas, Indiana and Mississippi. Assigned to the 90th Troop Carrier Group, he maintained C-47 transport planes. Overseas, he served at Greenham Common in Newbury, England, and in France, Germany, Belgium and Holland. He was honorably discharged Sept. 21, 1945. Returning to Boise, Gilbert worked for the IRS for a short time before joining C.B. Lauch Construction Co. Handy with his tools, he helped construct a number of buildings in Boise, from homes in the North End to an addition at Cole Elementary School, which his two children attended. After leaving the construction business, he worked for Westinghouse Electric Supply for 30 years as warehouse manager. Gilbert married the love of his life, Mary Iverson, on Oct. 1, 1947. They enjoyed a long life together for more than 59 happy years. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Mary; son, Mike Johnson of Boise; and daughter and son-in-law, Christy and Gary Taylor of Central Point, Ore. He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Brian Taylor and his wife, Mary Jane, and Kelly Smith and her husband, Dave, and six terrific great-grandchildren, all of Grants Pass, Ore. He also is survived by a brother-in-law and three sisters-in-law as well as many nieces and nephews. The family thanks the Idaho Veterans Home, St. Luke´s Hospice and Ada County Paramedics. Special thanks to the Boise Police Motorcycle Unit, for making one of the last days of his life very special. Memorial contributions may be made to the Idaho Humane Society, 4775 W Dorman St Boise, ID 83705. Viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., tonight, Feb. 9, 2007 at Cloverdale Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007 at Dry Creek Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Cloverdale Funeral Home.