DEWAINE BUD JOHNSON

Alaska pioneer and Anchorage resident Dewaine Bud Johnson, 75, died Jan. 10, 2005, at Providence Alaska Medical Center. A service of remembrance will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Evergreen Memorial Chapel. A celebration of life will follow at the home of longtime friend Jeannie Edwards. His urn will be placed in the columbarium wall at Anchorage Memorial Park at a later date.

Mr. Johnson was born June 27, 1929, in Milan, Mo., and was a high school graduate. A resident of Alaska since 1947, he was stationed at Fort Richardson while serving in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953, during the Korean Conflict.

Mr. Johnson worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Alaska Railroad, co-owned Harp and Son Excavating and was a well-known manager at Anchorage Chrysler for almost 20 years. He was also the Alaska general manager for Howard Cooper Equipment in the early 1980s, until his retirement.

Mr. Johnson was a Shriner and Mason, as well as a member of the Automobile Dealers Association of Alaska. He enjoyed wood carving, coin collecting and spending time with family and friends at their Big Lake cabin.

His family wrote, "Bud was best known for his infectious smile, his social, outgoing nature and his teasing sense of humor. He adored his beloved wife and dance partner of 54 years, Mary. His greatest pleasures came from time spent with his friends and family, especially with his grandchildren, Travis and Kristin. He died surrounded by the family who loved him."

Survivors include his wife, Mary Johnson of Anchorage; son and daughter-in-law, Eric Rick Johnson and Cathy Baldwin-Johnson of Wasilla; grandson, Travis Johnson of Wasilla; granddaughter, Kristin Johnson of Wasilla; brother, Leon Johnson of Louisville, Ky. and sister, Maude Bonner of Kansas City, Kan.

He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Beulah and Tom Harp and father and stepmother, Sylvester and Lucille Johnson.

His family suggests memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements were made by Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E. St., Anchorage.