Mr. Clyde W. Johnson

Clyde W. Johnson passed away peacefully at his home on October 23, 2010, in the presence of his beloved wife, Ola Johnson and niece, Cindy Gill. Clyde was born July 18, 1917 in Arcata to Martin and Lorena Johnson. A life long resident of Humboldt County, this warm and caring man brought great joy to family, friends and neighbors for his 93 years on this earth. After graduating Arcata High School, he worked for the Arcata Barrel Factory. Clyde enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving his country in the Pacific Theater. As a Seabee, he helped construct the major airstrip on Maui, among other construction projects on Pacific islands, and he expressed great thanks that his days did not end prematurely during a long night of heavy fire while on a small boat in the Pacific. Honorably discharged in October 1945, Clyde returned to Arcata and worked a variety of jobs, including owning a small gas station (now Cafe' Brio) with good friend, Jimmy Fabbri. He then took a job with the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department. He retired from the Sheriff's Department in August 1980 as the lieutenant in charge of the Humboldt County Jail. Clyde was active in the Arcata Volunteer Fire Department, Eureka Elks Lodge, American Legion, Humboldt Peace Officers Association, Retired Public Employees Association of California (Area I Director), and Six Rivers Masonic Lodge, #106. He is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Lorena Johnson, sister Clarice Vanoncini and childhood friend Reno Orlandi and Jimmy Fabbri. He is survived by his dear wife of 40 years, Ola Johnson, daughter Claudia Johnson, Nieces Cindy Gill, Sally Lindke, and Susan Levins-Miller, Children Jimmy and Kathy Wathall and Ruby and Bill Bacalla, sister Marian Buck, and grand nieces and nephews, Chope Gill, Paige Gill, Jenny Lindke, Ken Lindke, and Elizabeth Miller, and numerous Grandchildren and Great grandchildren. The family extends special thanks to all of those who cared for Clyde during his final days, especially Jimmy Wathall, who helped Ola with Clyde's day-to-day care and who gave Ola his unwavering support. The family also extends special thanks to Dr. Lee and Dr. Albertini for helping him through his prolonged illness. A service will be held Saturday, October 30, 2010, at Paul's Chapel in Arcata at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in memory of Clyde W. Johnson. Arrangements under the care of Paul's Chapel, 1070 H Street, Arcata, CA 95521, 707-822-2445, www.paulschapel.com.

Published in Eureka Times-Standard from October 27 to October 28, 2010