Gary Douglas Johnson age 69 a Prineville resident passed away on January 30th 2012 and born February 5th 1942 in Newberg, Oregon, the son of Fern (Hubbell) and Clyde Johnson.
As a child of a military family, he lived many places and attended many schools in the United States. He graduated from Columbia Christian High School in Portland, Oregon in 1960. While in school he also loved to play sports, particularly football. Gary was a lifetime member of the Church of Christ and enjoyed attending services.
From 1961-1964 Gary served in the United States Army. He was stationed in Massweiler, Germany where he was an MP. He enjoyed telling many tales and stories of his time over there.
On July 25th 1964, he married the “cutest gal” he knew, Carolyn A. Vance. They were married in Vancouver, WA. In the following year they welcomed their first child, Lisa Rene. Then in April of 1967 they welcomed their son, Daniel Douglas.
They moved to Newberg where Gary worked for Publishers Paper Mill for many years. In the years that followed, he and his wife owned and operated several sub sandwich shops. They moved in the early 1990’s to Central Oregon where Gary worked and retired from Mike’s Fence.
Gary loved all aspects of history, especially American Indian history, particularly about Chief Joseph. He loved to travel out into the boondocks and look for rocks and gem stones. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed working with his hands. In recent years he became a NASCAR fan. This was due to his grandson, Jori and son-in-law Bob working for NASCAR teams. In the fall of 2010 he and Carolyn took a cross country RV trip back to visit their daughter in North Carolina. Gary was happy that he was able to attend two races and got to see them from the pits.
Gary is survived by his wife of 47 years Carolyn. Daughter Lisa, son-in-law Bob and grandson Jori Heilbrun. All of Davidson, NC. Grandson Dylan Johnson of Willamina, OR. Mother Fern Johnson of Newberg, OR. Father Clyde Johnson of Newberg, OR. Sister Kristen Nations of Brownsville, OR and Sister Karen Beha of Portland, OR. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and special friends, Del and Carol Towell. Gary was preceded in death by his son Dan in August of 2010.
Arrangements are in the care of the Prineville Funeral Home. Please visit www.PrinevilleFuneralHome.com to share your memories or express your condolences by signing the on-line Guest Book.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6