Victor Johnson

Obituary Vic passed away on June 17, 2005 surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Tacoma on July 10, 1921, and grew up in the McKinley Hill neighborhood. Vic attended Lincoln High, but had to quit school to support his family during the Depression. He joined the CCC and helped build many roads and bridges on the Olympic Peninsula. He was drafted into the Army and served his country bravely with the 13th Armored Division in France and Germany during WWII. After the war, he worked for the City of Tacoma in the Maintenance Division for the next 35 years. Vic met the love of his life, Teresa Rink, in 1948, and courted her for 6 years before finally convincing her to marry him. Their son Doug was born in 1960. He retired from the City in 1983 and enjoyed a very active and happy 22 years of retirement. Vic was a golfer, a bowler, an avid fisherman and an excellent woodworker and carpenter. We always said that Vic bought his workshop with a home attached when we moved in 1965. Many of his hanging baskets and planter boxes still decorate homes throughout Tacoma. Vic was a talented gardener, and his yard was the envy of the neighborhood. His house (and the bar) was open to everyone all hours of the day and night. Vic is survived by his wife of 51 years, Teresa, his son Doug (Shirley), grandchildren Claire and Andy, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Signe and Richard, and his sisters Gunhild and Doris. Vic's family and friends will remember him for his generosity, kindness and wonderful sense of humor. He was a great man who loved all of us and in turn was loved by many. Dad, thanks for all the sacrifices you made for me, all the good times that we had together, and for demonstrating what a good and honorable man is like. Grandpa, we love you very much. Thanks for coming to our soccer and baseball games and being there every holiday. Thank you for giving us so much and for being such an inspirational man. Keep fishing, building and gardening wherever you are - Claire and Andy. The family would like to thank the Oncology staff at Tacoma General, and his hospice caregivers Tom, Cliff, Kristen and Vickie for helping make Vic comfortable in his final days with us. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, June 22, 2005 11:00am, St. Ann Catholic Church; a reception will follow. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Viewing Tuesday June 21, 2005 beginning at 9:00am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vic's name to St. Ann Parish, 7001 South Park Ave. Tacoma, WA 98408. Please leave on-line condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.