Rusty Johnson

1955 - 2022

Day Creek - Rusty Johnson, our favorite guy, (and local legend) passed away on Wednesday, May 11th. This avid hunter and northwest timber slayer rolled into town on July 17th, 1955.

After graduating from SWHS in 1973, he joined the Navy and served overseas on the USS Constellation until he was stationed in Iwakuni, Japan. During leave, he met his future wife, Georgann. After being discharged, he grabbed his girl and headed north to Alaska! This is where they married and he discovered his passion for working in the woods. Together, they celebrated 43 years of laughter, friendship, and love. Not one to shy away from a good time, this duo welcomed 3 strapping sons, Josh, Zach, and Caleb and the infamous Johnson clan was born. These 3 unruly gents were the joys of his life.

In 1978 he received his AA Degree from Skagit Valley College, but it took another 40 years to lock down his Bachelor's Degree. You've never seen someone so proud to sport their cap and gown. Always quick with a funny story about growing up with his sister, or retelling the Johnson boy adventures, he knew how to entertain a crowd. Rusty had killer dance moves, told horrible jokes, (the phrase, "Hey, did you hear about..." could clear a room) and he could lip-sync every Lynryd Skynryd song. He loved nature, and all that that entails. He left no terrain unchartered. He loved skiing, fishing, old-timey westerns, hunting camp with his pals, and softball in Newhalem, (some say he started Blue Ox Logging just for the t-shirts).

He graciously welcomed all willing friends and family into the circus, and we all know who we are. Happiness for him was sitting around a giant fire (made with "good wood") and sharing stories with his family and friends. We're sure going to miss his laugh. Although his absence leaves us hollow, we're lucky to have the memories to keep us at peace.

He is survived by his wife, Georgann Johnson, his sons, Josh Johnson (and wife Holly Shannon), Zach Johnson, Caleb Johnson, and his sister, Debi Knoth (and husband Julius Knoth).

The family invites anyone with an incriminating story to join them at 1pm on June 25th at the Johnson Day Creek homestead. May the snow be powder, all the wood be dry, and all the hunting tags you can muster. Rusty, you will be missed. See you down the road.