Richard F. Johnson Sr.

Obituary It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Richard F. Johnson on June 23, 2016. He was 75. Richard was the second son of Melvin and Marian Johnson, grew up in Tacoma, attended St. Leo's, Lincoln H.S., and Pacific Lutheran University, and married Judy, his college sweetheart. Richard loved the game of football and was known by his coaches as a guy who "really wanted to play the game of football". He also played baseball, basketball, wrestled and ran track. He started playing football at age 8, was scouted by the Cheney Studs, played varsity football at Lincoln H.S., and attended Pacific Lutheran University on a four-year athletic scholarship. His father always encouraged him to "Think" and reminded him academics came before football. He was a pre-med student and graduated from Central Washington University with a degree in psychology. Richard never lost his love for the game and was a fan of the Rainiers, Mariners and Seahawks. He was a member of the Nifty Fifties. Born on April 12, 1941, he was a child of WWII. He learned his love of gardening when times were hard, and always had enough to share with neighbors, because they needed it. At dusk, if he tired or appeared bored while gardening, his mother suggested that he say a rosary and keep working. Richard deeply cared about people, and enjoyed working with kids as a probation counselor at the Yakima County Juvenile Court, and as a "maverick" in family and reconciliation services at DSHS. He applied the scientific method in designing new systems to improve performance and the delivery of service. Richard was a great cook and traveled to Italy to discover what was authentic about Italian cooking. He was a prolific and published poet, writing his last poem titled "Fly Home", June 2016. Richard battled liver cancer and reminded us all of his courage and drive to win. Richard was a patient of Swedish Hospital in Seattle. Although his liver and kidneys failed him, he learned to walk again and graduated to Providence Mt. St. Vincent in West Seattle. In recovery, Richard set new records each day, increasing his distance and speed around a loop at Providence. He passed away after returning home. He leaves behind his wife Judy and three children; Cappri, Richard Jr., and Staci, 5 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Leo's Catholic Church at 710 13th Street in Tacoma, Saturday, July 30 at 10:00 a.m. Rosary recited prior to mass at 9:30 a.m. also at the church. A short reception to follow in the church hall. Inurnment at Gethsemane Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Leo Food Connection. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.