Obituary of Wallace R. Johnson

Wallace R. “Wally” Johnson passed away January 12, 2024, of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer in Olympia, Washington, his home of 26 years.  He was born October 23, 1938, to Cliff and Nelia Johnson in Eureka, Montana.

 

Over the years, he lived in Glendale, California (1965-1969), Bellevue, Washington (1969-1971), Arlington Heights, Illinois (1971-1976), Burbank, California (1976-1979), Albuquerque, New Mexico (1979-1982), Kennewick, Washington (1982-1984), Beaverton, Oregon (1984-1986), Redmond, Washington (1986-1990), and Clayton, California (1990-1997) before settling in Olympia (1997-2024).

 

Wally graduated from high school in Eureka in 1956 and immediately joined the U.S. Navy (1956-1960), serving at various locations. In 1964, he earned a Civil Engineering degree (Construction Technology emphasis) from Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. He and Joan Collins were married on August 27, 1965, in Burbank, California.

 

Professionally, Wally worked for Mobil Oil (1964-1979), Plateau Oil (1979-1982), Crowley Maritime (1982-1990), and IT & Wickland Oil (1990-1997).  During his career, he also served in the Navy Reserves (1969-1980).

 

Wally was patriotic and service-oriented.  He was dedicated and strove to be an achiever in all aspects of his life.  He also had a ready smile and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  His interests included woodworking and building his dream house.  He also was president of his homeowner association in Olympia.

 

He is survived by his wife, Joan of Olympia; son, Kevin (Mindy) Johnson of Redmond, Washington; daughter, Sharon Johnson (Tony Brown) of Olympia; daughter, Cristin Johnson of Olympia; four grandchildren; and sister, Lorna Burk of Eureka.

 

Memorial donations in Wally’s honor may be made to a charity of choice.

 

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