William Frank Johnson

William Frank Johnson (“Bill”) died September 27, 2023 at age 92 in Portland, Oregon. Bill was born in McMinnville, Oregon on December 28, 1930 and lived in the McMinnville area during his childhood, graduating from McMinnville High School in 1949. While a student at McMinnville he distinguished himself both academically and athletically, being named “Most Studious” male, as well as being named captain of McMinnville High’s Tualatin-Yamhill Valley League co-champion football team his senior year.

After high school, Bill attended the University of Oregon, graduating in 1953. While at the U of O, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity while also participating in football and track.

Upon graduating from college, Bill spent two years in the Army stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, beginning an association with the U.S. Army for 25 years, eventually attaining the rank of Major in the U.S. Army Reserves.

In 1956, Bill married Doroline Taylor and he began his professional career as a district manager with the Oregonian newspaper, first in Hood River and later in Portland. While in Hood River, he was also area commander for the Hood River area Oregon National Guard. Shortly after moving to Portland in 1970, Bill and Doroline purchased a house in the Grant Park neighborhood where they lived for over 52 years.

At the age of 43, Bill ran his only marathon at the 1974 Sauvie’s Island Marathon, recoding a time of 3:54:36; a very creditable performance given that he’d only been training for a couple of months. After retiring from the running scene, Bill turned his attention to recreational basketball and for several years was noted for his tenacious defense, outrageous head fakes and sweet shooting. He was also an excellent swimmer and diver, enjoying both activities well into his 70’s.

While a good athlete, Bill also possessed other talents. He was especially known for his excellent singing voice, and he enjoyed performing with the Hood River Elks men’s choir in the 1960’s and the Portland Chorale in the 1970’s. Additionally, he was an outstanding carpenter and woodworker. His children remember with awe the fantastic family camping trailer he built from scratch as well as the A-frame house he single-handedly built on the family’s vacation property in the Hood River valley. In his later years, Bill enjoyed regaling both family members and neighbors with tales of his glory days, supporting his grandchildren's numerous activities from the sidelines and vacationing with his family.

Bill is survived by Doroline, his wife of 67 years; children Brad Johnson, Jeff Johnson, and Susan Reese, eight grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, daughters-in-law Paula Johnson and Mary Johnson, and several nephews and nieces. He is fondly remembered and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust. Web Site: https://cst.dav.org/

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 6th at 11:00 a.m., at Young’s Funeral Home, 11831 SW Pacific Highway, Tigard.