Obituary of Richard Charles Johnson

RICHARD C. JOHNSON Richard C. Johnson, 82, of Washougal died peacefully Friday, December 10th surrounded by his family. His wife, all six children, many of his grandchildren and great grandchildren were at his side. He was born in Mt. Vernon, SD to Ernest and Bertha Johnson and graduated from Mt. Vernon High School. He attended Dakota Westland College and then served in the United States Marine Corps for two years. Richard married Doris Busmuss in 1950. He began his career farming in South Dakota with his father. In 1952, he moved to Port Angeles in Washington State with his wife and first son, where he began working as a carpenter in commercial construction. Later, moving to Vancouver, WA, he opened Johnson Lumberyard, which he ran for many years. Leaving the lumber business, he began another business building homes, and built many homes over the next 15 years in the Vancouver area. In later years he shared his construction skills with his 3 sons, but eventually, he returned to his love of farming in Eastern Washington. There he farmed and raised cattle with his sons until he retired in 1989. He returned to Washougal to spend his retirement years close to family and the church community he missed. Richard was very active in St. Thomas Catholic Church in Camas, singing in the choir, as a member of the Knight of Columbus , and as well as helping with the RICA and life in the spirit programs. Richard is survived by his wife of 60 years, who remains in the home they shared his children; Douglas Johnson of Woodland, David Johnson of Washougal, Steven Johnson of Albany, OR, Debbie Herz of Washougal, Brenda Cotton of Washougal, and Belinda Hickey of Washougal; as well as 18 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, December 15 at 11AM at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Camas. A reception will follow. Burial will be private at Evergreen Memorial gardens Cemetery in Vancouver. Straub's Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation in Camas is in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences or to sign the online guestbook visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.