Roger Eugene Johnson

Roger Eugene Johnson, 77, of Yakima, Washington, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026. He was born June 2, 1949, in Yakima to Ralph and Mildred (Nichols) Johnson.

Roger graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1967 and went on to attend Central Washington University. While attending college, he received his draft notice. Rather than wait to be drafted, Roger decided to choose his own path and enlist in the military.

In August 1969, Roger and his brother Ron went to the recruiting office together. While Ron was in the process of enlisting in the Navy, he stepped away for a moment. When he returned, Roger had enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. The brothers went to boot camp just three days apart.

Roger proudly served four years in the Marines in the aviation department, where he worked on helicopters. He was stationed in Santa Ana, California, where he met Pat. Their son, Roger Jr., was born in 1971. Although their brief marriage ended in divorce, Roger loved having a son.

After returning to Washington, Roger worked at many places throughout the years, including Safeway and Albertsons, before beginning a 20 plus year career with the Washington State Department of Ecology. He retired from there in 2016.

Roger loved to hunt, fish, play poker, bowl, and play softball. He pitched on several slow pitch teams. He bowled on many leagues throughout the years and came close to bowling a perfect 300 game several times. He was a terrible golfer, but he did have a hole-in-one to his credit. He was a devoted Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners and Husky fan. He was a member of the Eagles, where he often cooked for the weekly Seahawk games. He enjoyed cooking and cooked several times for the Japanese when they were at the Yakima Firing Center. He was also known for his cheesecakes that he gave as gifts at Christmastime.

Roger asked Judy Meloy to go to the Seattle opera with him in 2005 for their first date. Evidently, that went well because in 2007 they sold both of their houses and bought a house together. Roger and Judy began a life together filled with love, travel, games, arguments, and plenty of good-natured aggravation. Although they never married, they spent 20 plus years together.

Roger and Judy loved traveling. They cruised from Quebec through Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Maine, and Massachusetts to enjoy the beautiful fall colors. They traveled to Reno and Las Vegas for National bowling tournaments and visited Wildhorse in Pendleton, Oregon. They traveled to Arkansas and Missouri to see where Roger's parents had grown up and took a trip to New Orleans. They also enjoyed visiting Roger's granddaughters in California and taking them to Disneyland. Before they met, he traveled to Ireland for his 50th birthday.

Fishing was one of Roger's greatest passions. He owned approximately 100 fishing poles, and every single one was important to him. Roger loved his many fishing trips with his brother, Ron. A favorite place was Sekiu. Roger didn't actually like to eat fish, but he sure liked to catch them!

He loved to shop and was always on the lookout for a bargain. If Roger found a particularly good deal on anything, he would buy in bulk. He also loved yard sales. He had an unwavering devotion to Coca-Cola. Roger didn't simply enjoy Coke—he was addicted to it. If he couldn't have his Coke, he would get very upset!

Roger loved Hallmark movies, Goofy, and had an unusual collection of hats, with a particular fondness for fedoras. He also volunteered at the Elk Feeding Station and enjoyed being involved in his community

Anyone who rode with Roger knew that his driving could be an adventure all by itself. Passengers could find themselves gripping the door handle with white knuckles and reconsidering their decision to get into the car. More than one passenger may have vowed never to ride with him again. Roger, of course, remained confident in his driving abilities. There was always music blasting on the car radio—his favorites were hard rock, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, classical, opera and old country. Quite the variety.

For all of his quirks, strong opinions, passions, yelling and colorful habits, Roger was a man who loved deeply. He loved his family and friends, and he embraced the things that brought him joy. Those who knew him well knew that life with Roger was rarely boring.

Everything changed in September of 2024 when he was diagnosed with Burkett’s lymphoma, a fast-growing cancer. He spent 3 months at the University of Washington hospital and then 3 and a half months at a nursing home. By then, he had lost 60 pounds. His Crohn’s disease complicated his recovery. He did not want to go back to the nursing home, so he went home. A special thanks to Judy’s daughter, Leah who helped take care of him. He tried so hard to get better so he could go fishing again with Ron and basically get back to a somewhat normal life and the things he loved. On August 30, 2026 after a hard-fought battle, he passed away.

Roger was preceded in death by his son, Roger Jr.in 2011, his daughter-in-law, Becky in 2009, his granddaughter, Heather (Adam) in 2022; and his parents, Ralph and Mildred Johnson and his precious dog, Wyatt who preceded him by two weeks.

He is survived by his longtime partner, Judy Meloy; his brothers, Ron (Becky), Randy, Rick (Rebecca) granddaughter, Amanda (Brian); nieces, Jessica (Trent), and Samantha and great nephews, Boston and Wyatt and many cousins who were special to him. He was also survived by Judy’s family, daughters, Julia (Dwaine) and Leah, grandchildren, Lindsey (Jonah), Rylee, Sara and Zach. And, great grandson, Barrett. And future great grandson, Nehemiah to be born to Amanda and Brian in January 2027, along with many friends who became part of his life and extended family.

Roger leaves behind a lifetime of memories: fishing trips and bowling tournaments, cruises and road trips, poker games, football parties and yard sales. He leaves behind memories of chocolates on pillows, arguments over sports and the thermostat, Hallmark movies, Goofy, Coca-Cola, and enough fishing poles to outfit a small army.

Semper Fi.

There will be a graveside service at 11 am on September 19 at the Tahoma Cemetery. On the same day there will be a service at 1 pm at the Terrace Heights Keith and Keith chapel followed by a reception at the same location. Keith and Keith is in charge of arrangements.