Born in Sparks OK, to Minerva Grace (Eagle) and Orval Neal Johnson.
The family migrated west during the depression years landing in the greater Seattle area. Fred spoke of hobos living under the tracks , and learning to make stone soup.
After the death of his Mother in 1939, his Father married Mildred Adelia Eagle in 1942.
At 16, Fred joined the Merchant Marines, traveling to Japan on a supply ship.
He attended Cleveland High School and soon joined the Air Force. He was stationed in Korea during the Korean War as a communications officer. He also entertained his fellow Airmen with music. He finished his service years in Blaine WA as a “coder”.
Fred attended UW where he met the love of his life, Jean Ann Cays from Sequim WA. She was studying nursing, he, teaching. They were married June 22, 1956. Fred finished his teaching degree at Central Washington College of Education.
Fred and Jean moved to Port Townsend in 1958, when Fred landed a job with the Young Men’s Detention Center at Fort Worden. There he taught history and helped Don and Carl Rosbach coach the football team.
He moved on to the Port Townsend School District as a full time music teacher. He taught orchestra, band, string band, jazz band, history, English, drama, and coached girls softball. He was also involved with the marching band, ski school, and music camp at Fort Flagler. He started the Japanese exchange program with Hokuriku Gakuin in Ichikawa Prefecture.
Fred was a Freemason, moving through all ranks and serving as Grand Master of Port Townsend Masonic Lodge #6. Jean and Fred were members of Trinity United Methodist Church. Fred served as the choir director.
There were many music groups that Fred played with, The Kings of Swing, originally established in 1944 during his high school years and revived in 1987 with 7 of the original members, Dukes of Dabob, Port Townsend Summer Band, Port Angeles Symphony, The Professors, The Copy Cats and even a barbershop quartet. Fred was also involved with the Key City Players. Music was his life joy. He could play any instrument, but his love was the acoustic bass.
Fred taught music for 35 years in Port Townsend, and when he retired, Jean and he moved to Japan and taught English.
Fred and Jean managed an apartment complex in Seattle before Jean was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Dad was the rock that held the family together when Mom had surgery. He lovingly cared for her for 13 years. They were together for 51 years. Together in love, together in life!
After Jean’s death in Feb 2009, Fred married Patricia Pint in Jan 2012.
Fred is survived by his wife Trish, brother, Raymond (Julie) Johnson, children, Christie (Paul) Hensley, Eric (Polleen) Johnson, and Cathy (Pete) Langley. There are 21 Grandkids including spouses, and 18 Great-Grandkids, multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins, in laws and outlaws. He was a family man, attending his kids/grandkids and great grandkids athletic endeavors, musicals, recitals, plays, and concerts. His voice of encouragement lingers to this day.
He was preceded in death by his wife Jean and daughter Sharon Johnson-Wiley-Santana, parents Orval and Grace, stepmother Millie, brothers Warren and Kenneth, and sister Margerett. Please address condolences to 251 Otto St. PT WA 98368. There will be a celebration of life on Sept 30th at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds at 1:00 pm. This will be potluck.
