Russell R. Johnson

beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle, passed away on August 12, 2009 at the age of 88. Russ will be remembered as a gentle, kind man of the highest integrity. Russ was born on January 30, 1921 in Williston, North Dakota to Roy S. and Frances Anne Johnson. He attended school in his hometown of Ray, N.D., graduating high school in 1938. In 1936, at the age of 15, Russ earned his Eagle Scout Award and was in charge of a group of Scouts from Western North Dakota. He took the boys to the National Scout Jamboree in Washington, D.C., taking with them a Coyote pup as their mascot. After High School, Russ took a job on the Fort Peck, Montana Dam project supervising grading crews. Saving his earnings, Russ entered the University of North Dakota in the fall of 1940 as a pre-med student. He attended school until war was declared in December 1941. He then took a job with Cessna Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas. On his 21st birthday he married the love of his life, Betty J. Cooper. He entered the United States Navy, serving as an aviation machinist Mate First Class. After basic training he was assigned to the flight crew of Catalina PBY's, patrolling the west coast serving as flight engineer. In 1946, after his discharge, Russ and Betty arrived on Bainbridge Island with their hands in their pockets. He went to work as a salesman for Rodal's Chrysler/Plymouth Agency in Rollingbay. He joined New York Life Insurance in sales in 1953. He retired after 20 years, and begin selling real-estate in North Kitsap for ten years. He was a member and past president of the Bainbridge Island Rotary Club and in 1963, was given the KIRO TV outstanding citizen award for his work in fundraising for the construction of the Bainbridge Island Library. He was a past Master of the Masonic Lodge. Russ was very civic minded and was active in many community projects. He was in charge of the fundraising for the Bainbridge Island Library, was active in the construction of the Masonic Temple and formation and administration of the Bainbridge Island Parks Department. His efforts resulted in the construction of the Ray Williamson Memorial Pool and the acquisition of the sites of Strawberry Hill, Eagledale and Battlepoint Park form the GSA for the sum of $1.00 each. He also spent two terms on the Kitsap County Library Board. After retirement, Russ and Betty spent winters traveling in their motorhome throughout the Southwest. They loved the Arizona desert. Russ us survived by his wife Betty, daughter Patricia Pigott, son Russell R. (Rusty) Jr., grandsons Robert and Peter Pigott, granddaughter Erin Hults and grandson Casey Johnson. He also leaves behind his great-grandson Harper Hults and several nieces and nephews. His passing has left a huge void in his family. He will live in our hearts forever. No services will be held at his request. Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.