W. Eugene (Gene) Johnson

W. Eugene (Gene) Johnson passed away Jan. 10, 2008, at his home in Sedro-Woolley, after an extended illness. His wife of 46 years, Betty Ann Johnson, was at his side.

Gene was born in Warren, Minn., to Palmer and Louise (Brown) Johnson on March 4, 1928. He was a military veteran, serving as a corporal in the United States Air Force for three-and-a -half years. Following his military service, he was a service manager with Ford Motor Company for many years. He met Betty Ann Olson in Seattle and they were married Sept. 17, 1961, in Edmonds. They moved to Oak Harbor in 1965.

Gene began a long business career in Oak Harbor, beginning as service manager for Maylor Ford. In 1969 Gene opened Island Auto Clinic, working during the day, and on nights and weekends, he built Valley High Mobile Court. Gene became owner of Oak Harbor Auto Supply and G & E Construction before retiring in 1984. Gene and Betty moved to Sedro-Woolley in 1999.

Gene was a charter member of the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge 2362 and the American Legion Post 43 of Sedro-Woolley.

The Johnson family camped and fished frequently in the Cascade Mountains and took annual vacations in various locations across the country and Canada. They enjoyed playing cards with family and friends especially when they were in Arizona.

Gene and Betty retired in 1984 and began traveling to many places across the United States. They spent 20 winters in Yuma, Ariz. They also traveled abroad to Mexico, Europe, and Tangiers, Morocco. Gene enjoyed helping friends build various garages and winter residences in Yuma.

Gene is survived by his wife Betty Ann and six children: Sandra Allgire (Steve) of Lynnwood; Richard Johnson (Toni) of Austin, Texas; Susan Dalton (John) of Denver, Colo.; Gordon Johnson of Lynnwood; Corey Johnson (Kathy) of Oak Harbor; and Lisa Ann Burke of Burlington; and sixteen grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. His stepmother Clara Jackson and brothers, Dennis Johnson (Wilma), Curtis Johnson (Val), Rick Johnson (Deborah), and sister, Audrey Dufur (Terry) also survive. His parents, one brother Robert and granddaughter Bailey Johnson preceded him in death.

Remembrances may be made to the Washington Elks Therapy Program for Children, or Children’s Hospital Foundation of Seattle.

Memorial services were held at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge on Jan. 15. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor. A private graveside service was held at Hawthorne Memorial Park in Mount Vernon.