Richard Hartwell Johnson

1923 - 2025

Richard Hartwell Johnson

May 21, 1923 - May 23, 2025

It is with deep love that we remember the extraordinary life of our Dad, Richard Hartwell Johnson, who passed away peacefully at the age of 102 on May 23, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of comical wild adventures, timeless tales, and the kind of joy that never grew old. Though "Doc" was an octogenarian, he never lost the spark of childhood wonder. With an infectious laugh and serious intent, he could spin a story that would leave everyone in stitches. Whether recounting the time his mother booked the family into the local whorehouse, or serving his camp mate pancakes coated in motor oil that he mistook for maple syrup, he had a gift for turning moments into unforgettable memories.

Born in 1923 in Dickinson, North Dakota, he answered his country's call during World War II serving with distinction as a Sergeant Major in Papua New Guinea. He arrived there on a banana boat after sailing across the Pacific. It was on that ship that he became known for his mischief by playing his ocarina over the ship's loudspeaker at the request of the Captain, who happened to overhear him practicing. For leisure, he and his buddies commandeered a tiny boat and paddled out into the bay and decided that skinny dipping was in order. Unbeknownst to them, a ship full of WAC's (Women Air Corps) was sailing by. Wolf whistles and skirted women prompted embarrassed leaps into the bay. The next day, "No Swimming Allowed" was posted.

A classically trained cornet musician, Dad's love for music began in childhood and remained a lifelong passion. He performed with the Missoula Symphony on french horn and the Missoula City Band for over 50 years playing one of the first 1937 Selmer cornets, filling concert halls with the same warmth and intellect that characterized his presence. Whether on stage or in his living room, music flowed from him effortlessly enriching the lives of those lucky enough to listen. He was equally accomplished in his professional life as a respected dentist. Known for his steady hands and thoughtful manner, he treated generations of patients with care and integrity after graduating from the University of Minnesota after the war.

Always up for engaging with people, he loved creating laughs through humor and antics. From propping a life-size cow in the neighbors yard to playing his piccolo trumpet in bars all up and down the Bitterroot, Dad never missed a chance to entertain. Known affectionately by his family and friends as a "walking encyclopedia", he had an astonishing memory, an endless reservoir of facts, stories and insights. He could recite his anatomy from college and names of people from the 1930s to no end.

A true craftsman, Dad found deep satisfaction in working with his hands. Whether shaping fine furniture for the church, turning fancy candlesticks, or making his grandchildren whimsical toys, he approached every project with quiet focus and pride. To him, a well-made object was not just useful, it was a gift of patience, precision, and care.

But Dad was more than tools and timber. Those who knew him admired his steady presence and the way he could explain anything from woodgrain patterns to Boy Scout survival skills from his Eagle Scout background. In 1937, Dad sat in the Director of the FBI's chair, Herbert Hoover, during the first-ever National Boy Scout Jamboree held in Washington D.C, another one of his many adventures throughout his long happy life. Hunting, backpacking, snowmobiling, and fishing were his favorite pastimes and he was a 50-year member of the Masonic Grand Lodge and Shriners Hospital International and delighted children while driving the mini cars in circles during parades when he wasn't playing in the band. He was a member if the American Legion for over 14 years. He thoroughly enjoyed his golden years with his wife, numerous friends and neighbors who lovingly and graciously supported him.

He is survived by his two daughters Gwendolyn S. Kaegy (Leesburg, VA) and Kristen K. Johnson (Trout Creek) and two stepsons Scott Laisy (Missoula) and Paul Laisy (Polson), three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his stories, his values, and maybe, now and then, raise a glass in his honor right at about 4 o'clock, Dad's usual highball time. He is preceded in death by his wife, LaVone G., son, Stuart D. Johnson, parents, Hartwell P. and Cora M. Johnson, brother Robert K. Johnson and sister, Shirley M. Gee. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriners Children's at https://donate.lovetotherescue.org.