Obituary of Michael Warren Johnson

Dr. Michael Warren Johnson Dr. Michael Warren Johnson passed away, resting peacefully at home, on Saturday, September 18, 2010, after a brief illness. Michael was born in Longview, Washington on August 9, 1946, to Erwin Clemens and Donna Jean Johnson, who both preceded him in death. Much of his young life was spent around and influenced by his grandparents, Warren Ethan and Chloe Adelaide Higgins. He is survived by his daughter Selena Rose (Pete) Piro, his grandson Dylan Eddie Piro, his sister Judy Johnson, his brother Mark Johnson and wife Jane, his niece Brelin and husband Marcus Rismiller, and his nephews by marriage Dan and David Tabaka, as well as several cousins. Mike earned his bachelor’s degree at Washington State University, and then his doctoral degree in economics at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. After earning his PhD, Mike went on to teach at institutions of higher education across the nation, including the University of Western Ontario, Vanderbilt University, Idaho State University, California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, The Evergreen State College, and Pacific Lutheran University, as well as being an adjunct professor at several community colleges. He taught macro and micro economics to more than 10,000 students during his career. He also worked in Washington state government as an economic analyst at the Department of Labor & Industries Prevailing Wage Unit and Employment Security Department’s Labor Market & Economic Analysis Branch before his retirement in September, 2003. Mike had serious passion for everything in his life. His friends were foremost, then economics, camping and travel, politics, music, nature, sports, sunshine, and the occasional party (the annual Leo Party and Halloween come to mind). He made the best chili anyone can remember. He loved music -- all different kinds of music. A Grateful Dead song would remind his daughter Selena of him and she’d give him a call – he really liked that. Jimi and Jim and Jimmy were all regular players on his turntable because he had an extensive album collection of hard to find oldies. He bought his sister her first album -- Led Zeppelin. He could find tickets to Pearl Jam at the last minute for Selena when she visited Washington State. But keep him away from the water, the Leo Lion in him would invariably get in trouble around water sources! Mike had an infectious smile, and was always quick to draw anyone into a conversation. Always ready for a game of hoop, a good hike, a round of golf or lawn croquet, he was an avid sports fan in front of a TV too, especially for Mariners games. He had intelligence and wit, actually a Brilliant Mind, and a firm love of life and people. We will all miss his thoughts and theories! In lieu of donations in his memory, please take a walk outside and enjoy the sunshine. He would have loved that. Michael, you will be missed.