Gary Lee Johnson

Gary Lee Johnson, 72, of Raft Island passed away peacefully at home on June 8, 2019. He was born in Tacoma, Washington on February 6, 1947 to Ellis and Dorothy Johnson. He is deeply loved and will be missed every day by his family and friends.

Gary graduated from Wilson High School in 1965. He attended the University of Washington and joined the Sigma Tau chapter of Phi Gamma Delta before transferring to the University of Puget Sound, graduating with a degree in English and Education in 1970. While starting his teaching career at Thomas Jefferson High School, Gary earned his Juris Doctorate from UPS Law School by night.

Gary was best known for quick-witted jokes and questionable puns. He taught English at Thomas Jefferson High School for 31 years, and served as faculty advisor to the Thomas Jefferson Ski Club and countless Knowledge Bowl teams. He volunteered as a United Methodist camp counselor and youth leader for both the Sumner and Foothills United Methodist Churches. After retiring from teaching, he worked in the education department of the Museum of Flight, specializing in the operation of the Challenger Learning Center.

Gary’s part-time law practice focused on marginalized populations and family law. His favorite hobbies were skiing, traveling, theater, cinema, cooking, and Disneyland. He always loved a road trip, no matter the destination.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his two daughters, Megan Johnson of El Segundo, CA and Meredith Johnson of San Francisco, CA, and his brother Curry Johnson of Tubac, AZ.

A celebration of life will be held at Sumner United Methodist Church at 901 Wood Avenue on Sunday, July 7th at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Northwest Justice Project at nwjustice.org. 

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