JOHNSON, Norman R. (Dr)

The Arizona Republic 3/23/2010 Johnson, Dr. Norman R. Norman was born July 2, 1920, in Manchester, Iowa but has lived in Arizona since 1953. Norman passed away March 21, 2010. Norman is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Louise, and four children, daughter Linda (Terry) of Peoria, son Richard (Peggy) of Yuma, son Roger (Audrey) of Phoenix, and daughter Nancy (Steve) of Peoria, eleven grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Norman graduated with honors in Pharmacy in 1942, was drafted into the Army and served in the pharmacy of the station hospital at Camp Bowie, Texas. Receiving orders to attend dental school at the University of Minnesota, he graduated with honors in 1947. Norman moved his young family to Yuma, Arizona, in 1953, built a medical building on 8th Avenue and started his dental practice. He served in the community as president of the Kiwanis Club and president of the Yuma Chamber of Commerce. While he was president he worked with the expansion of the Marine Base runway in Yuma, He received a letter thanking him from President Dwight Eisenhower and letters from Senator Barry Goldwater and Henry Ford, II, thanking him for help in other areas. He was president of the men's club of the Methodist Church, was a member of the Yuma County Sheriff's Posse and formed the Yuma Dental Study Club. He was active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts with his sons. He bowled in a league, played tennis and loved horseback riding. Norman and Louise loved to travel once their family was older and Norman developed a love of photography. Some of his photos won 1st place at the Yuma County Fair. Norman loved his dental practice. He said it was easy getting up and going to work everyday doing something he enjoyed. Norman also owned citrus land across from the Marine Base in Yuma, cleared 120 acres in Bard, California and planted citrus with his son, Richard and developed land with his son, Roger, in east Yuma starting Country Breeze Park, Desert Air and Country Life subdivisions. He was one of the original partners in Desert View Home Sales. His latest venture, in partnership with Danny Bryant (Pacesetter Homes), is Savant Estates at 8 1/2E, Yuma. He retired from dentistry in 1986 and lived in the Sun Cities - Surprise area. Norman was a very friendly and kind man who loved to laugh. He was a loving and generous husband and father. Norman enhanced the lives of everyone he touched. Norman will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Funeral services will be at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 13014 North 108th Avenue, Sun City, AZ on March 25 at 9 a.m. Internment following at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.