Harold "Bud" M. Johnson Jr.

I was given the gift of life in 1939, and now I must give it back today, Thursday, February 2, 2017. It is hard as I will miss my family and friends but I am now with the Lord I served my entire life.

I was a very lucky man to be raised by Harold and Bernice Johnson, two loving parents who provided a foundation that taught me honesty, integrity and hard work. I lived my life the best I knew how and although not always perfect, I look back upon my 77 years in my human body with no regrets and several lifetimes of loving and happy memories of my beautiful family and countless friend I made along the way.

I only had one sibling and she survives me. She put up with me and covered my back growing up more than once. She was my friend and my sister. Anne and her husband Paul have two children, my niece, Diane and nephew, Chris.

Surviving me this day are Anita Johnson and our three children. Anita and I were blessed with Ken, Don, and Wendy. Those blessings continue as Ken and Sheila have Noah, Ainslie, Luke, and Cece. Don and Janine have Ethan and Makayla. Wendy and Pat have Zachary, Jordan, and Parker.

I was blessed again when the Good Lord brought Marilyn into my life. My wife Marilyn outlasted me along with her wonderful children and their families. Jeannine Sordini, Karen and Tom, Bryan and Tina, Kim and Jason. Along with eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

I grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan surrounded by family that loved me. My parents taught by actions more than words. I watched them care for all of those close to us and still have time to help a complete stranger with no questions asked. They worked hard every day but made it a priority to volunteer at church and other local groups.

It was on our small family farm that I found my life passion of farming. After high school I was able to stay close to my passion by driving truck delivering farm commodities that allowed me to visit many local farmers and keep in touch with people that I respected and admired. Over the course of my lifetime I have been able to keep my passion of farming as part of my life. At times, it might have been only cutting or bailing hay on weekends or having a tractor to tinker with at night, but it was important for me to stay close to the profession of farming and the people who farm, who I believe are the backbone of our country.

52 years ago I started in the insurance business and little did I know at the time that career path would allow me to be a part of so many special peoples lives. I have had the honor of serving so many amazing individuals and families. Most of them became much more than clients, they became my friends. I know it is called a job but it never seemed like work. I received great satisfaction helping my clients achieve their goals. I will always cherish the relationships and memories that these people allowed me to be part of.

I proudly served as a member of the Grandville Rotary for a number of years. Rotary is an amazing organization that attracts good people looking to help others. During my affiliation I was able to meet many fine men and women that passed through our doors. The combined efforts of all those involved was monumental and I am proud to have been associated with these wonderful people.

To all my friends and fellow members at Gun Lake Community Church, it has been so much fun to worship with and interact with such wonderful people. I have especially enjoyed working with the youth of the church. The future is in good hands as we have great kids as part of our congregation. They are truly the Children of God.

I guess it is kind of ironic as a long-time insurance agent that I am looking at mortality charts and I see that I made it exactly where they thought I would. I died in my 78th year in this world and some mathematician locked away in a small dark and windowless office predicted 78.2 years. With that, I leave you with this, Thank you all for allowing me to be some part of your life. The pleasure was truly mine. I am so proud of all my family and I love you all more than I can say. Please be kind to others and keep trying to live your life as if your parents are always watching.

To view the Keepsake Video please click on the link below.

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/Q5NML2KWSCZZ2BG6