Daniel Burgess Johnston

He would always say he was very lucky to have had such an interesting life. Just 17, he proudly became a father and served in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Davidson during the Vietnam War. He thought about re-enlisting but was politely told it wasn’t the life for him after he brewed coffee for the officers in his “Dixie Cup” and filled the ship with the smell of his “special” brownies. When he returned home to his family, he also began his 45-year long career with Volvo Cars of North America ending with his dream job - Public Relations. His gift of gab and likable personality encouraged even the most jaded car journalist to like Volvos.

We learned so many things from him in his lifetime:

• How long you could wear a pair of jeans without washing them

• How duct tape and spray foam could fix just about anything

• How a skinny guy could take the engine out of a VW on the side of the road and fix it with enough daylight to drive to a campground

• How a person on a bicycle could go faster than you in said VW over the Eisenhower Pass

• How to save a wounded pelican and not have it attack you while you drive it to the bird rescue shelter and

• How to keep bees, fly fish, canoe, sail, fly a plane, surf, build furniture, dig for rocks, crystals, fossils, and make wooden surfboards

But mostly we learned the biggest adventure you can have is life itself and that there are so many things to see and do as well as people to meet as long as you are open to it.

He leaves behind his children Kim, Matthew, Denise, and Ingrid, brother Bruce and sister-in-law Sue, brother Tom, sister Ellen and brother-in-law Rick, brother David, six grandchildren Joey, Gus, Nicolas, Addy, Ruby, and Michael, beloved Aunt Jane, several nieces and nephews, and lots of friends whose hearts he touched. How lucky we were to have such a kind and loving person in our lives!

In accordance with his wishes, Daniel will be scattered at sea by the United States Navy. A paddle out will be held at a later date. If you wish to participate in the service please reach out to the family.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to https://www.seabiscuitwildlifeshelter.org where he volunteered his time rescuing and helping rehabilitate birds in the area or LifeCare.org where he spent his final days treated with dignity and respect.

Online condolences may be made at www.shallottefunerals.com

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte Chapel