Raymond Leo Johnson, 91 died peacefully with family by his side on the 12 August 2020 at Providence hospital in Centralia, Washington. Raymond was born 13 June 1929 to Fred and Mildred Johnson (Reid) in Brockton, Massachusetts, the middle child of a younger brother Arthur and older sister Helen. Always busy, Raymond liked building things, repairing an old boat, and fixing things around the house. His love of music started at a young age playing the piano, guitar, and other instruments. Together with his brother, they played guitars and sang, performing for the troops at the USO. As a teen he worked at the YMCA and joined the Sea Scouts where he enjoyed helping others.
Raymond served in the US Army as a Medic for 21 years. Working as a Technician in physical therapy, he invented a leg exerciser machine for Fort Jay Hospital on Governors Island. The machine was used in rehabilitating patients with leg injuries. Furthering his career, Raymond earned his nursing license while stationed at Madigan Hospital, Washington, allowing him to continue his mission of helping others. He served as Ward Mater in the Intensive Care Unit at Camp Zama Hospital, Japan, where he tended to soldiers wounded in the Vietnam war.
He met his beautiful wife Liselotte Marie Josephine while stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, where they were married. They have four children Steven, Diana, Andrew, and Gregory. His Army career took them to Germany, Japan, and back to the US living on the east coast in Massachusetts, New York, and Maryland ending up on the west coast in Lacey, Washington. Raymond retired from the Army in 1970 at Fort Lewis Washington. He continued his career in nursing at Western State Hospital in Steilacoom.
Raymond enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved playing the piano, doing projects around the house, and working on cars. Raymond and Liselotte retired in the house they built in Olympia, Washington and lived out their happy and fulfilling lives.
Raymond is survived by his sister Helen McCormick; daughter Diana Staats; sons Steven Johnson, Andrew Johnson, and Gregory Johnson; grandchildren Laramie, Avery, Josie, Jamie, Michaela, Matt, Aaron, Amber, Ryan, Beth, Amber, and Lucas; and 8-great-grandchildren. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and younger brother.
Funeral services will be announced.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18