Arnold Arnie Elroy Johnson

Arnold was born on February 25, 1943 in Williston, North Dakota and was the son of Obert and Vernie (Wierson) Johnson. He graduated from Williston High School and completed 1 year of college. His first employment while attending high school was with Josephs Department Store selling shoes.

On January 10, 1961, Arnold enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard. He served with Company A with the 164th Engineer Battalion out of Williston. He was called up for active duty for the Cuban Missile Crisis, he received an honorable discharge on October 15, 1964 at the rank of SP5.

On October 17, 1964, Arnold married Janice Torstenson in Vancouver, Washington. Thereafter they returned to Williston, he worked for the REA Express Service as a relief agent and in the office. They moved to Portland, Oregon in 1970 where Arnold owned and operated Arnold Johnson Painting Company they then moved to Gresham, Oregon. He retired in 1999.

He had many hobbies. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. He also enjoyed his pets, salt water fish tank and digging for Oregon Sunstones. Arnold was a hard worker; dedicated to his business as well as his family and friends. He was caring and had a wonderful sense of humor. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Janice of Gresham, son, Lynn Johnson of Portland, daughter, Christi Johnson of Gresham, mother, Vernie Johnson of Williston, ND and his sister, Joni (Cliff) Olson of Williston, ND along with one grandson, Deric Johnson and his nieces and nephews: Julie , Jennifer, Christopher and Kristina. His son, Craig Johnson, his sister, Sharon Johnson and his father, Obert Johnson all preceded him in death.

A celebration of Arnold’s Life will be on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 1:00 pm at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham, Oregon. A reception will follow. He will be laid to rest in his home town of Williston, North Dakota. Contributions may be made in memory of Arnold to the Oregon Veteran’s Home. Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.