Raymond John Johnson

Raymond John Johnson, also known as “The Guru of Grade,” was born January 15th, 1923, in Halma, MN., and died June 15th, 2014, in Astoria, OR. He was 91 and the third of 10 siblings.

He left school after the 8th grade to work for the Civilian Conservation Corps or “CC Camp.”

He was an army engineer in WWII and served in the South Pacific in Saipan, Okinawa and Japan.

After the war he moved back to Minnesota for a year, and then came to Clatsop County in 1947, where he did fire watch on top of Saddle Mountain.

He belonged to the 701 Operating Engineers and worked for Grimstead & Vanderveldt for 30 years. He also worked for Sunset Crushed Rock, Perrigo’s Construction and Jim Wilkins Construction, and was self-employed.

He volunteered his time by grading ball fields and helping friends in need. Most of the roads in Clatsop County he worked on.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ole and Jenny Johnson, and wife Chloe (Curry) Johnson.

He is survived by brothers Ted and Marvin Johnson, sons Kenneth and Tom Johnson, daughter Alethea Mueller, stepdaughter Rae Wolf, stepson Bob Williams and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was well loved by all and will be missed.

Graveside services will be held Friday, June 20, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery. A reception will follow at the farm until 6:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to Lower Columbia Hospice.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Please sign our online guest book at www.caldwellsmortuary.com.