DONALD "DON"

R. JOHNSON

Lifelong Alaskan Donald R. Johnson, 65, died Aug. 28, 2001, after a long, courageous battle with leukemia at the University Medical Center in Tucson, Ariz. As he wished, there were no funeral services. His ashes will be scattered around his homestead on Silver Lake, near Chitna, and by his family at his favorite, secret fishing hole.

Mr. Johnson was born May 10, 1936 in Palmer to Johan and Irene Johnson, original Mat-Su Valley colonists, now deceased. He grew up on the family farm located off Fairview Loop Road in Wasilla. Mr. Johnson served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Richardson. He worked throughout the Copper River Valley area for the Alaska Road Commission prior to Alaska achieving statehood.

After Alaska achieved statehood, the Alaska Road Commission became known as the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF). He worked at the DOT&PF Eureka Station Highway Maintenance Camp in the late 1950s and early '60s, and was the maintenance foreman for the DOT&PF's Cascade Station and Willow Station highway maintenance camps, retiring after more than 30 years of dedicated service.

During his summers, Mr. Johnson enjoyed commercial salmon fishing with his family on his boat, the "Barbara J," in Cook Inlet. He also enjoyed sport fishing, hunting, snowmachining, walking, traveling, word-find puzzles, camping, gardening, sports, reading, and bird watching.

Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife of 40 years, Pauline; sons, Art and Dennis of Anchorage; daughter, Barbara of Avondale, Ariz.; granddaughter and grandson, Kahlee and Erich of Anchorage; granddaughters, Caitlin, McKenna, Delaney, and Shannon of Avondale, Ariz.; brothers, Johan of Anchorage and Maurice of Palmer; their spouses; and many other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Salvation Army, 660 E. 48th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99503.