Vic Johnson

Victor H. Johnson, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and man of steadfast faith, passed away peacefully Thursday, October 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 94 years old. Vic was born on September 19, 1931, in Oregon City, Oregon. Shortly thereafter, his parents moved back to the family farm. Growing up he learned the value of hard work, humility and faith - principals that guided him throughout his life. After graduating from Mt. Baker High School, he attended Washington State University. After two years, while home for the summer, he met the love of his life, Joyce DeLayne Henrikson, and the next year they were married on June 6, 1952 - a partnership that would last over 73 beautiful years. After their marriage, Vic and Joyce returned to Pullman where he  completed his Bachelor’s Degree before moving to Ferndale, WA. Vic began his career with Darigold, where he worked for seven years - making ice cream, and, of course, taste-testing plenty along the way. It was likely there that his lifelong love of ice cream was born. In 1954, Vic and Joyce bought their first home on the Smith Road and five years later, in 1961, they purchased the family farm on the Everson Goshen Road from his parents. It was there, on that land rich with history and heart, that they raised their children and built a life rooted in family and faith. Vic retired from dairy farming in 1990, but continued raising diary replacement heifers until his son Dane took over the farm three years ago. Faith was always central to Vic’s life. In the early years of marriage, he and Joyce attended Evergreen Community Church, where he taught the young adult Sunday School class. When their children began school, they joined Rome Community Bible Church, much closer to their home, where they have attended for over 63 years. Vic immediately began teaching the adult Sunday School class - a role he faithfully served until he was 87 years old. In addition to teaching, Vic served on the board for most of those years, either as a deacon or elder. He was often one of the first to show up for church projects - many times bringing his tractor down to lend a hand when needed. Vic was also a master of one-liners - always ready with a quick wit or a perfectly timed quip that brought laughter to his family and to anyone else lucky to hear them. Vic was preceded in death by his two infant daughters, Vickie and Terri, his parents, Hugo and Louise Johnson, and his two sisters, Gertrude and Eileen. He is survived by his beloved wife Joyce, his faithful partner in all things; their four children, Rongi and her husband David, Tony and his wife Debi, Dane and his wife Jacki, Phil and his wife Renee; 11 grandchildren - Jay, Mindi, Minique, Kristin, Kelli, Karla, Derek, Brett, Jamie, Michael and Ryan; and 18 great-grandchildren - Tayla, Trey, Kaden, Kolbi, Paityn, Maici, Brecken, Emma, Jake, Hadley, Brynn, Taylor, Lacey, Ila, Landon, Hallie, Everly and Stella. Vic’s life was one of quiet strength, steady faith, humor, and deep love for his family, his Lord and Savior and his church family. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion - to God, to his family, and to the land he cared for all his life. His presence will be profoundly missed, but his example of faith, service, and laughter will live on in all who knew him. A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, October 23, 2025, 1:00 P.M., at Rome Community Bible Church, 2720 Mt. Baker Hwy, Bellingham, WA 98226.