Calvin Frank Johnson

Calvin “Cal” Johnson was born in Portland, Oregon, to Calvin W. Johnson and Nellie I. (Parrish) Johnson. He spent his childhood with older sister, Melba, and younger sister, Colleen, in the Ardenwald neighborhood of Milwaukie, Oregon.

When Cal was in high school, the family moved to Newport, and later settled in Astoria. Cal grew to love Astoria, and never wanted to live anywhere else. With his father’s guidance and help, Cal eventually built his home on the hill in Astoria.

Over the years, Cal worked for a number of businesses. He was a supervisor at New England Fish, where he taught the employees how to fillet fish. At Larson Dairy and later at Darigold, he learned to make ice cream and was called “the ice cream man,” winning state awards in competition for his vanilla, chocolate and fresh strawberry ice cream. Later on, Cal worked for Nehalem Valley Freight before retiring.

Cal was a man of many talents and determination. He had numerous interests, hobbies and talents, including woodworking, hunting, fishing, photography and trap shooting. He was a master craftsman, upholstering his own furniture and building wooden boats. He was also a rock hound, and collected gemstones to make into jewelry.

He was No. 4 seniority in the Knappa Gun Club, and helped in the construction of the rifle sites and clubhouse. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association, and was an expert in gun evaluation and checkered gun stock.

He loved gardening and canning his own vegetables, and often sold them to the Peter Pan Market, which his sister and her husband once owned. He also canned his own tuna, salmon and sturgeon.

In 1995, Cal married Phyllis Thompson, a former Astorian. Together, they spent many happy years, and split their time between Astoria and Laguna Hills, California. She survives, along with his stepchildren, Kathy Thompson Fox, Ken Thompson and Connie Thompson Ballenger. His sister, Colleen Johnson Hensley, also survives, as well as his nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Columbia Hospice.

Cal will be remembered for his generosity, his love for family and pets, and for his deep devotion to his beloved Phyllis. Per his wishes, a private service is planned.

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