Van Edward Johnson was born in Longview, WA on May 24, 1939 and passed away in Seattle, WA on June 18, 2023. His father’s name was John Edward Johnson (8/9/1905 - 10 /31/1944) and his mother’s name is Zilpha Vandercook Johnson Zimmerman (8/11/1908 - 12/23/1982).
Van attended R.A Long High School and graduated in 1957. He continued his education at Central Washington University from 1957- 1958, went to the University of Hawaii from 1958 -1959 and also attended the University of Washington where he got his BA in History and his MS in Russian History. He retired as the Registrar of the University of Washington.
Van married Dace Ilze Macs on August 2, 1970. He was a lover of classical music, particularly of opera. He spent many years as an artist’s aide at the opera and symphony helping with transportation for visiting performers.
Van is survived by Anna (Arouna Phommasouvanh) Johnson (Daughter), John (Amy Canon) Johnson (Son), grandchildren Kai Johnson and Evanelle Johnson. He is preceded in death by maternal Grandfather Bogue Vandercook (10/4/1876 - 9/13/1938), maternal Grandmother Serena-Mae Pruitt Vandercook Gustafson (5/12/1884 - 4/27/1968), paternal Grandfather John E. Johnson (10/27/1877 - 7/2/1944), and paternal Grandmother Minnie Taylor Johnson (1880 - 7/16/1944).
