Tim Lee Johnston, 55, died Nov. 6, 2008 at his home in Palmer.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday at the Lazy Mountain Bible Church on Clark-Wolverine Road in Palmer. The family invites friends and family to bring memories to share with everyone if desired.

Tim was born Oct. 12, 1953 to Louis and Glenna in Renton, Wash. He graduated from high school in Long Beach, Calif. After many travels, he settled in Grand Renton, Wyo. He moved to Alaska from Wyoming over 25 years ago to work. He worked in the Carpenter Union for years all over the state, working in Valdez, on the Slope, in Anchorage and all over the Matanuska Valley. He owned and operated his own business, Bear Claw Builders, for several years on Kodiak Island where he was a licensed contractor. Tim’s favorite pastimes were 4-wheeling, fishing, camping and hunting. He loved any activity that took him outdoors and never missed an opportunity to go for a 4-wheeler drive, but above all, the most important part of Tim’s life was always his three daughters, Ashley, Sara and Emily. As a single parent, Tim raised Ashley and Sara, devoting his life to them. He regularly attended Lazy Mountain Bible chapel, believing a relationship with the Lord was a priority in his life. Later a third daughter, Emily entered his life, and he raised her, sharing custody with her mother.

Tim’s daughter, Sara, said of her father, “Dad would do anything and everything for all of us. He took us fishing and camping, and made sure we were always taken care of. We will miss his smile and laugh. He will always be grateful he got to hold his grandson who is only 2 months old. 

Friends will always remember Tim for the honest person he was. He always said children came first, and one should honor the child. He had a unique personality that could not be forgotten. He loves the Lord, and believed in the power of God’s love.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Glenna L. Damron, and father, Louis Johnston.

Tim is survived by his daughters, Ashley Marie Johnston of Louisiana, Sara Johnston of Palmer, and Emily Johnston of Palmer; brother Dan Johnston of Lake City Fla.; sisters, Kimberly Bollscheid and Christie Heart of Maryland; step-father, Hoy Bryant of Montana, the newest joy in his life, grandson, Nathaniel Gabriel Widener, 2 months, and many friends who loved him.

 Arrangements Made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla