The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Ronald LeRoy Johnson, 84 of Cathlamet, died December 10, 2020 in a Longview Care Center. Ron was born in Hoquiam on November 9, 1936 to Edwin and Wynona (Brower) Johnson. After high school he joined the Army and spent three years. In 1959 he married Diane Borup, they had two children and later divorced. He lived in Hoquiam and Elna until 1970 when he moved to Wahkiakum County, and lived in Grays River for a brief time before coming to Cathlamet.

He worked for the State Fisheries Department and Town of Cathlamet before he began his 20 year career at Crown Zellerbach and Fort James.

On February 22, 1969 he married Gaylene Witham. Ron enjoyed playing cards, gardening, fishing and traveling with Gaylene. He will be remembered for his dry wit and fun sense of humor.

In addition to Gaylene, Ron is survived by his son, Mark Johnson and daughters, Kimberly Fox and Janelle Gilligan, a half brother, James Peterson and sister, Donna Crouse, two stepsisters Margie Dahlstrom and Sharon Tolen, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is pending for a later date. Donations in Ron’s name may be made to The Cathlamet Firefighters Association, PO Box 539, Cathlamet,WA 98612. Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.