Fredrick William Johnson

He was born March 28, 1926 in Yakima and Selah was his home throughout his life. An avid athlete and varsity basketball player, he graduated from Selah High in 1944 to then begin his 2 year service in the U.S. Navy becoming a Gunners 2nd Mate Pacific Theatre during WWII. He was discharged in May of 1946, returning home safely to his family and High School Sweetheart Barbara Rowland. He attended Central Wash University and entered into a lifelong marriage of almost 65 years to Barbara, Bobby as he called her, on April 20th, 1947. After working for Borrows Motor Co. for almost 5 years, he began another lifelong commitment in 1952 to Pingrey Motor Co., lasting 58 years as employee, partner, and then owner until retirement in 2010. During his lifetime in Selah, he belonged to the Masonic Lodge, was past president of Yakima Country New Car Dealers Association, was part of the Selah Civil Service Commission, Jr. Chamber of Commerce and Selah Chamber. He was a strong supporter of the American Legion Baseball teams among other local organizations.

Travel was a beloved highlight for he and Bobby, vacationing to Hawaii, Fiji, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, as well as cruising to Alaska and through the Panama Canal. Close to home, they were tireless Ellensburg Blue hunters, arrowhead hunters and tried to include an occasional trip to Reno. Fishing and gardening were also summer past times he found relaxing.

Family and providing for his family was a priority for him. He worked hard & played hard and loved spending time with his daughters and their families at every opportunity, especially when it included friends, his brothers & extended family. He enjoyed visiting and watching “the kids” have fun, the more the merrier. He could be a man of few words, but what he said he meant, he was true to his word and loved his family completely. We love and will miss you Dad, rest in peace, you deserve it.

Dad is survived by his wife Bobby of 64 years; daughters, Cassie Deatherage, Kristine (Gary) Green, Diann (Keith) Sugdan and Tami (Mike) Ward; 10 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren; and his brother, Charles Wallace “Wally” (Shirley) Johnson. Dad was preceded in death by his parents Herb & Frances Johnson, his brother Donald Johnson and son-in-law Ronald Deatherage.

At his request, Dad wanted no services.