John M. Johnson, 66
John M. Johnson, 66, of Bigfork, passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at home surrounded by family.
He was born May 2, 1951, in Kalispell to James E. and Babette L. Johnson. John lived his entire life in the Flathead Valley. As a boy growing up on the farm, he learned his work ethic milking cows, haying and helping his father. But there was also time for play with his brother and sisters and many friends, building forts in the woods, swimming in the nearby creek, or picking fresh carrots and peas out of the garden.
John graduated from Bigfork High School and joined the Montana National Guard where he served for six years.
On July 21, 1972, he married the love of his life, Camellia Ann Found A Gun, “Mick.”
John worked at Stoltze Land and Lumber for many years until he returned to the family farm near Swan River in 1977. There, he and Mick raised three children, Lorell, Tyler and Faithe. Black angus cows and hay kept him busy. Later on, Tyler and he would be seen side by side tackling those tasks. Even when he could no longer climb in the tractor, he would drive his “buggy” around at feeding time for the cows and help his daughter-in-law Jenny if she needed it. In 1986, he started driving school bus as a contractor for Bigfork Schools and continued safely transporting children for 30 years.
Despite his strong work ethic, John always found time for play. He enjoyed snowmobiling, hiking, fishing and a good hot dog roast every now and then. He could be found riding his motorcycle down the dirt roads near Choteau on his way to visit Faithe and family. But flying captured his heart. As a member of the EAA for 28 years, he held his private pilot’s license and went on many adventures. From fly-in lunches throughout Montana with the “fly boys,” backcountry camping at secluded airstrips in the Bob Marshall, or flying to Alaska with friends — a dream fulfilled.
John was loved by many and you could always count on him to stop and have a chat. He never did anything fast, but he did it right. He believed in honor and generosity. His heart was full of love and forgiveness — a testament to his strong belief in Christ. We know he is in heaven, free of pain soaring to something big.
John was preceded in death by his father James E. Johnson, and by his grandparents Grant and Mamie Robinson (maternal), and Sol and Edith Johnson (paternal).
He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, daughter Lorell Johnson of Bigfork, son Tyler (Jenny) Johnson of Bigfork, and daughter Faithe (Tanner) Lee of Choteau; four grandchildren, Cody, Bailey, Elias and Weston; his mother Babette, sister Ann (Andy) Cottle, and brother Joe (Dee) Johnson, all of Bigfork, and sister, Carolyn Morgan (Brent Ostlund), of Dassel, Minnesota; his aunt Gwen Anderson of Bigfork; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial will be held in his honor at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 25, at Swan Chapel with a lunch and fellowship to follow.