Howard Ray Johnson

Howard Ray Johnson went to be with the Lord on July 6, 2023, from injuries he sustained from a house fire on July 5.

Howard was born July 15, 1951, in Anaconda, Montana to Richard and Barbara Johnson (Rucker).

He spent his youth in Libby, Montana, where he loved working and playing in the outdoors. Following high school he spent seven years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Alaska where he served as a sharpshooter and medic. After his service, Howard returned to Libby, where he worked as a logger and heavy equipment operator.

He married Diane (Surman) in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on Dec. 31, 1977. Together they had four children, including three daughters and a son.

In the 1980s, they moved to Auburn, Washington where Howard attended computer technician school, but failing health caused him to retire early. They moved to Lakebay, Washington in the mid 1990s.

Howard and Diane lived out their Christian faith by serving those less fortunate in the community, including running M&M Ministry at Lakebay Community Church, leading and participating in recovery groups, sharing their faith and praying for anybody who asked.

He was proud of his Chippewa heritage and often used his connections to bring fresh salmon to people in need on the KP.

Howard loved being outdoors, camping, hunting and fishing and working on his property and traveling to Montana to see family and friends.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife Diane, father Richard, brothers Duain, Ted (Sue) and David, and his son, Thomas Richard (Tara).

He is survived by his mother Barbara (John) Knudson, sister Ramona (Jim) Hutchinson and brother Jerry (Dianna); daughters Barbara Chase, Martha (Bob) Bauer, Dalene (Kevin) Johnson; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.