Dale Leslie Johnson

Dale was born in Addy, WA to Ada Mae a homemaker/teacher and Reuben Jerome Johnson a farmer/sawyer. He grew up in Colville, WA on two adjacent farms known as the upper place and lower place. A 1940 graduate of Jenkins High School in Chewelah, WA he joined his father in farming until enlisting in the Army. He served from Feb 1945 to Dec 1946, when he was honorably discharged. He then attended Whitworth College in Spokane, WA earning a BA with a teaching certificate in history in 1950. He began teaching for a short time before deciding it wasn't the career choice for him. In June of 1951 he re-enlisted to serve in the Air Force, operating heavy equipment in the Korean Conflict until a second honorable discharge in March of 1953.

Dale moved to Seattle in 1955 and embarked on a long career with the Federal Government. He also joined the Tip Toppers, a social club for tall people. Inside the Tip Toppers holiday program from 1960, Dale wrote, my date was Georgia Miller. I think I shall marry her! On June 10, 1961 Dale and Georgia were indeed married at Fauntleroy Church in West Seattle. Together they soon started a family. Wayne Scott was born in July of 1962 and Susan Kay was born 18 months later in January of 1964.

Dale will be remembered as a devoted husband and loving father. He would accompany his kids and family dog Ginger on walks to the school field from the family home in Lake City. They'd play basketball, he’d sacrifice garage space to put up a ping-pong table and join the game. Dale was the kind of Dad when teaching his daughter how to ride a bike when she said, don’t let go, he wouldn't.

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After nearly 34 years of government service, Dale retired from the Federal Record Center on Sand Point Way in March of 1988. Just less than 30 years of his career were spent at the Record Center where upon retirement he had accumulated almost 2,500 hours of sick leave! Dale was very proud about never taking one day of sick leave. Never had that happened before at his place of employment.

Retirement for Dale and Georgia included being active at the Northshore Senior Center, swimming and socializing at the Queen Anne pool, traveling with friends and going out to favorite lunch places like Claire’s Pantry or Jay’s Café. Mentioning Dale’s love of chocolate, peanuts and spoonfuls of peanut butter is a must. Leaving a dish full of chocolates within reach would result in that it would be empty almost immediately!

In October of 2012, Dale and Georgia moved to Grandview Village an assisted living community in Marysville to be closer to their daughter. After Georgia fell and fractured her back and leg in October of 2013 they moved to Young at Heart a wonderful Adult Family Home also in Marysville. We are grateful to the staff and residences at Grandview Village who have allowed us to continue as a part of their community, enjoying Saturday music. Another heartfelt thank you is owed to Misty and the staff at Young at Heart for their devoted care.

Dale leaves behind his wife, Georgia, sister Norma Hansen, sister-in-law Betty Thornton, son Wayne (& his wife Lisa) Johnson, daughter Susan (& her husband David) Zaretzke, five grandchildren, three nieces and four nephews. Dale wished to have his ashes scattered near Beverly Beach on the Oregon Coast where he had fond memories of camping with his wife and kids.