Karl Ray Johnson, Sr, 78

Karl Ray Johnson, Sr, 78, of Cathlamet, Washington, passed away suddenly on Long Beach, Washington while enjoying one of his favorite pastimes, digging razor clams, on Wednesday morning, April 26, 2017.

He was born on April 7, 1939 in Longview, Washington to Charles E. and Sigrid K. (Bong) Johnson. As a teenager, Karl worked for Fraser's Bakery in Kelso, then graduated from Kelso High School in 1957. He enlisted later that year in the US Navy, and served as a Shipfitter Metalsmith 2 (E5) on the USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) aircraft carrier. In January 1962, he was transferred to the US Naval Reserve and was honorably discharged in January 1964. In May 1964, he met the love of his life, the former Mary Anne Backert of Longview, Washington, and they were married in August 1964, and raised two wonderful children, Karl Jr and Carey.

His first job after his military enlistment was with Beagle's Log Dump on the Columbia River, rafting logs. In 1965, he began his career at Weyerhaeuser Boom, then Pulp Paper and from there to Pulp Maintenance as pipe fitter/welder. He retired after 35 years to enjoy all of his hobbies in 1999.

Karl was a seemingly invincible man. He was dependable and profoundly loyal to his family and friends, generous with his talents, amazingly creative as a welder and woodworker. His land burst forth with an impressive array of flowers and produce every year. He could create almost anything out of raw materials. His hobbies were fishing, hunting, gardening, camping, attending Navy reunions and family reunions, spending time with relatives, and taking care of his pets. There will never be another man like him.

Karl was predeceased by his father Charles E. Johnson, mother Sigrid K. (Bong Johnson) Delgado, and brother Leonard Johnson. Karl is survived by his dear wife of over 53 years, Mary Anne (Backert); son, Karl (Penny) Johnson, Jr of Cathlamet; daughter Carey Anne (Randy) Coleman of Cathlamet; granddaughter Ashton Nunes of Cathlamet; grandsons Derek Johnson and Hayden Johnson of Oregon City, Oregon; great grandsons Noah Nunes and Xavier Nunes of Cathlamet; brother John E. Johnson of Longview; brother Robert (Debra) Johnson of Deer Park, Washington; step-father Frank Delgado of Longview; and several cousins, nephews, nieces, aunts, and extended family.

A celebration of his life is scheduled to take place at the AWPPW Hall, 724 15th Ave, Longview, Washington on May 20, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. All family and friends are welcome to attend. Donations may be made to District 4 Fire Department or Cathlamet Veterans of Foreign Wars. Dowling Funeral Home of Cathlamet, Washington is in charge of arrangements.