Ernest Johnson

100, born December 12, 1911 in Denver, Colorado and passed away April 6, 2012 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Survived by son, Ernest Albert (Garnet) Johnson, daughter Sherrill (Henry) Dorman, grandchildren Steve Johnson, Sylvia Clark, Ronald Dorman, Michael Dorman, James Dorman and Henry R. Dorman, 10 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren (2 of whom are 5th generation), also survived by many special friends. Preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Thelma F. Johnson in 1998, his parents Gustaf A. and Charlotta Johnson, 3 brothers and 1 sister.

Ernest was born in Denver, Colorado on December 12, 1911 to Gustaf A. Johnson and Charlotta H. Johnson, who were originally from Stockholm, Sweden. He met Thelma F. McClimans and they were married February 9, 1935. They lived for the last few years of the depression next door to his parents. Son Ernest Albert Johnson and daughter Sherrill Johnson were born to them. In the 1940’s Ernest worked at Franklin Carbon & Ribbon with his wife Thelma. Also in the 1940’s he worked as a guard at Rocky Mountain Arsenal prisoner of war camp (for German combatants), at the Remington Arms Plant in Lakewood, Colorado and for a short time at AD Miller Auction Company. In the 1950’s he and his family began ranching and farming in Iowa, then continued on the 500 acre homestead in Boulder, Wyoming from 1946-1952. After moving back to Colorado he worked for a short time at AD Miller Auction Company. For much of his life he enjoyed being a trucker with Denver-Chicago Trucking Co. (formerly Time-DC), he retired in 1963 after many years of dedicated service. He and Thelma lived at the 64th & Irving address until 1972, and then moved to Interlachen, Florida to enjoy their retirement years together. During this time he was a part-time for the Volunteer Fire Dept. He ushered at 1st Baptist Church of Interlachen. In 1995 Ernest A. Johnson and Sylvia Clark helped move them to Cedaredge, Colorado so they could be near their son and family. After 63 years of marriage, Thelma passed away in 1998. Ernest lived in Cedaredge until 2004, when he moved to Fort Collins to be near his daughter and family. He passed away peacefully at Spring Creek Health Care Center.

Ernest was a true outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He had a heart for the needy and gave to those who were underprivileged. He made friends easily and loved to celebrate - he was quite a character. He made it past 100 years and has left a beautiful legacy behind him; he will be lovingly remembered by all.

Graveside service Friday, April 13th, 2012, 11:00am at Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery, 29th & Wadsworth.