William Louis Johnson
July 29, 1948 - December 16, 2018
William Louis Johnson (Bill), passed away unexpectedly on December 16, 2018 at his home in Bothell, WA after a sudden heart attack. He was 70 years old.
Bill was born on July 29, 1948 to Eugene M. Johnson (Cap) and Marie Edesse Hoeffler (Daisy) of Seattle, Washington. Bill attended Roosevelt High School and graduated in 1966. After high school, Bill joined the Army and proudly served in Vietnam until he was honorably discharged. Post Vietnam, Bill enrolled at the University of Washington, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1974 with a degree in English. After obtaining his degree, Bill began working as a tugboat captain in 1975, and eventually became a merchant marine who sailed for 37 years before retiring.
On November 1, 1975 Bill married Suzanna Lynn Johnson of Ballard, at Trinity Methodist Church in Ballard. At the time of his passing they had been married for 44 years.
On June 28, 1987, Bill and Suzanna’s lives changed forever when they welcomed their beloved daughter, Marie Kristine, into the world. Bill wanted a baby girl so badly, and when he got one he cried tears of joy. Being a father was what made him truly happy, and he constantly bragged about “my girls,” as Suzanna and Marie were his everything.
When Bill was not working, he loved spending time at his “happy place,” the family’s summer property in Lake Chelan, with Suzanna, Marie, and the family’s beloved pug, Otis. Time was spent camping, hiking, golfing, swimming, floating on the Lake and cruising around on the family’s pontoon boat with good friends and great music.
Bill was an adventurous man who had many hobbies and interests. He was an avid climber who summited both Mt. St. Helens before it erupted, and Mt. Rainier, along with many other peaks throughout the western U.S. He also loved river rafting, kayaking, and most importantly, golf. Bill played in golf tournaments regularly and his swing tempo was so smooth and fluid that he often got compliments on the course from strangers. You could often find Bill cozied up in his chair watching the Masters turned to the highest volume possible!
Bill was the definition of an intellectual. He was intelligent, educated, and had a passion for literature, poetry and writing. He loved reading and kept an entire library of books in his home. He quoted Shakespeare, and other obscure writings quite frequently. Bill also had a genuine passion for music. He had an eclectic taste but loved Jazz more than any other genre. Other favorites included James Taylor, Van Morrison and Miles Davis.
Bill was a man who touched many people’s lives. He was a wonderful father, son, friend, family member and co-worker. He had a terrific sense of humor, and loved to laugh and joke around with his friends and family. He was someone who people admired, respected and looked up to as he carried himself with an air of quiet confidence.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Suzanna Johnson, his mother and father, Cap and Daisy, as well as his brother and sister, John Johnson and Barbara Johnson. He is survived by his daughter, Marie Johnson, mother-in-law Patsy Harder, nephew Michael Good, niece Colleen Hein, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, as well as great nephews. Bill will be missed greatly by both family and friends. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held Sunday, February 24, at 12:00pm at the Mill Creek Country Club.
Please add your Tribute to Bill, below.
FUNERAL INFORMATION
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held Sunday, February 24, at 12:00pm at the Mill Creek Country Club.
Mill Creek Country Club 15500 Country Club Dr, Mill Creek, WA 98012