Virgil K. Johnson

1941 - 2022

April 20, 1941

January 12, 2022

On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, Virgil K. Johnson Jr. (AKA "the Cobe"), loving husband and father of four children, cut a trail to heaven at the age of 80 in his hometown of Port Angeles, WA. Virgil was born on April 20, 1941, in Port Angeles, WA, to Virgil and Freda (Charles) Johnson and is a descendent of the Makah and Lower Elwha Klallam Tribes. Virgil is survived by his wife, Valerie 'Foxy Lady,' his four children Teresa 'Goo Goo Eyes,' Lesa 'Sugar,' Edward 'Eddie Bear,' Luke 'Duke,' his 9 grandchildren (Ashley 'Tweetskee,' Brittany 'Angel,' Katelyn 'Kitty,' Chelsea 'Goo Goo Doll,' Shawna 'Barbie Doll,' Elaina 'Baby Sugar,' Brooke 'Princess,' Taeh 'Lovey,' Caymus 'Little Duke') and his 2 great-grandchildren (Huxley 'Huckleberry' and Rylee 'Baby Angel'). He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Sr., his mother, Freda and his newborn son, Virgil III.

Many describe Virgil as caring, loving, generous, selfless, one of a kind, a devoted family man, and an amazing caretaker of elders. Additional descriptors include a singer, a true gambler that loved taking your money, always bet against the Seahawks (called them the 'Seachokes'), had a nickname for everyone, was damn determined, loved Elvis, was a fast driver, and was well known for telling you that "you have a kind face." Also, important to note is that he was FAR from politically correct, had an obsession with tractors, and loved working his land, using his chainsaw, and watching UFC fights and old westerns on TV.

Virgil's kids and grandkids were his proudest accomplishments. It was his life's mission to teach his Native songs to his grandchildren so that his prayer songs would live on. Virgil's lifetime calling to be a prayer warrior and bring songs and stories to those who were suffering was a gift to many a troubled heart. He took great pleasure in sharing the gospel songs of his childhood at celebrations as well.

Virgil was also known for talking like a logger, fishing, logging, and working the boom at the mill. He had a never-ending sense of humor, had the gift of gab, always wanted to be known for being tough, was a prayer warrior, and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

For the males in his life, one way that you knew that you made it into Virgil's heart is when he would begin calling you his terms of endearment including: scumbag, maggot, dog breath, sh*t for brains, and Boh. As for the girls, you would get a special and unique nickname that he would call you from that point forward.

Virgil's memorial service will consist of two parts on Saturday, January 29, 2022. You may attend one or both parts. The first will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Lower Elwha Bridge where all who attend will be invited to share in the spreading of his ashes into the Lower Elwha River. The second part will occur at 12:30 p.m. at the Place Cemetery where we will drum, sing, pray, and share stories at his gravesite located next to his parents. Honorary pallbearers include: Dennis 'Sully' Sullivan, Shannon Wright, Leonard 'Skin' Bowchop, Phil 'Skipper' Charles, Jerry Charles, Douglas Proctor, Robert 'Bob' Francis, Mark Johnson, Stan 'the Man' Lyckman, Dawayne 'Maggot' Floyd, Joe 'Champ' Luce, Anthony 'Pierre' Charles, Del Davis-Hill and Don 'Donny' Davis.