Jonathan Dennis Bjornson

Jonathan Dennis Bjornson Dennis left his earthly dwelling at the age of 76 on the evening of November 18, 2014 with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to the place prepared for him. He was surrounded by people who loved him as he gently slipped away. Dennis was born in the Icelandic community of Mountain, North Dakota in 1938 to Sigrid and Tani Bjornson. So small at birth that the doctor said he wouldn't survive. But, Dennis did survive and went on to become a man to be admired. Dennis was raised in Ballard, Washington in a loving, large extended family environment. He graduated from Ballard High School in 1956 and went on to the University of Washington where he earned a B.A. in Business Administration. He worked for the Boeing Company for 37 years. He was in the Human Re-sources Department and, among his other duties, found the responsibility of being on the contract negotiating team to be challenging and exciting. He earned the respect of those he worked with, both management and labor, as a man of high integrity whose word could be trusted. Dennis was a member of Alderwood Community Church, Senior Adult Ministries at First Baptist Church of Everett and the Icelandic Club of Greater Seattle. Dennis had a deep, unshakeable Christian faith. He was born into a Christian home and church activities were a part of his everyday life. As a child, he was always looking for answers and he asked deep, thoughtful questions of their pastor. Later, as an adult, he continued his studies, feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding him as his faith continued to grow. He knew without a doubt where he would be spending eternity. Dennis and Barbara (Higbee) were married in 1988 and had 26 wonderful years together. He shared often with those around him that Barbara was his "one true love." Barbara was truly blessed to share life with such a loving man. They spent the first three years of marriage in Toronto, Canada. Dennis was sent there by Boeing when they purchased the De Havilland Aircraft Company. As Director of Compensation, he met seemingly impossible challenges and again gained the respect of those around him. Those years in Toronto were like an extended honeymoon with travels to all of the surrounding area. Dennis had a life-long involvement with music. He learned to play the piano at a young age. His Dad was choir director at their church and Dennis was taken to practice each week, becoming the youngest choir member. He continued through high school, singing in choir, with quartets and as a soloist. He was in much demand at family weddings, memorial services and other gatherings. He was always active in church choirs and felt such joy when contributing his talent. One of the highlights of his singing career was traveling to Iceland with the Icelandic Male Choir, where he sang side-by-side with his Dad. The choir was warmly greeted by the Icelandic President, Vigdis Finndogadottir. Dennis became a fly fisherman and spent many happy hours honing his skills. He was an enthusiastic, loyal fan of the Seattle Seahawks, UW Husky football team and the Seattle Mariners. He was highly intelligent and an avid reader, always expanding his mind and knowledge. Dennis' greatest joy in life was his family and friends. He relished being a grandpa (Dee-Dah) and left a wonderful, lasting legacy of love for all. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents and many cherished aunts and uncles. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; sister Margaret (Mike) Hlastala; nephew, Michael (Paula) Hlastala and niece, Stefanie (Kevin) White; step-children Jay (Ruth) Russell, Vicki (Jimmy Sr.) Spears, and Mike Russell; grandchildren McNeil Urseth, Tyler Russell, Jimmy Spears Jr. and Jasmine Spears. Also survived by children, Eric and Dan Bjornson and Elaine (Tim) Novotny. He leaves great nephews, Jonah Hlastala, Connor and Nicholas White and great niece, Karina Hlastala; brother-in-law, Larry Higbee and many loving and loved cousins. A special mention should be made of his Men of Integrity group, whom he considered to be his brothers. A celebration of Dennis' life will be held December 1, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Alderwood Community Church, 3403 Alderwood Mall Boulevard, Lynnwood, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to Alderwood Community Church; Everett Men's Gospel Mission, P.O. Box 544, Everett, WA 98206; or the Nordic Heritage Museum, 3014 N.W. 67th Street, Seattle, WA 98117. Arrangements under the direction of Evergreen Funeral Home, Everett, WA.