JOHNSON, John Henry

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, May 09, 2012 John Henry Johnson was born Sept. 10, 1929 and died April 7. He passed away in his home overlooking the mountains and valley in Wickenburg at the age of 82. He succumbed to a long battle with cancer, with care from his wife, companion and love Sydney by his side. John was born to John Jacob and Elin Matilda Johnson in Shelton, Wash., and was the youngest of four children. He was preceded in death by Sven and Elvera and is survived by Lester, who lives in Olympia, Wash. He grew up on Harstine Island, where they farmed berries and grapes. His father was his last surviving parent and passed away when he was 16. His extended family was the Scott family while he grew up on Harstine Island, then moved with them to Belfair with lots of fond memories and stories, working in the woods, logging with the Scott family. In 1951 he married Barbara Ori and had three sons. During this time he was called to duty and served in the Korean War. In 1952, at the time of his discharge, he was Sergeant John Johnson and served in Company A, 13th Engineer Battalion of the U.S. Army. He received the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars and the United Nations Service Medal. Upon returning, he became a Teamster with a career in fuel oil, heating, and air conditioning. Always an excellent mechanic, he could work on anything. On Jan. 9, 1982, he married Sydney Whisenant. They resided in Belfair on their horse ranch where Sydney taught horsemanship until they moved to Wickenburg in 2009. Sydney still resides and enjoys the warm weather and her horses. He is survived by his wife Sydney, his brother Les, his sons Steve (Lenny), Ron, Jack (Kathy) and a stepson Lonnie Whisenant (Sherry) all of Belfair, along with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A memorial and celebration of John’s eventful life will be held at the Harstine Island Community Club (near Shelton, Wash.) July 21 at 1 p.m.