John Martin Johnson, Jr.
John Martin Johnson, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, has passed at the age of 94.
Born December 3,1930 in Seattle, Washington, John grew up surrounded by the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest. His birthplace instilled in him a passion for the outdoors. He was an avid camper, hunter, shooter, and fisherman.
On December 1, 1951, John married the love of his life, C. Barbara Perry, known to all as Bobbe. They shared their lives together for 73 years filled with adventure, laughter, and love.
John was an aerospace engineer. His career began in the 1950’s at Boeing in Seattle. In 1964, John and his family moved to Cocoa Beach, Florida, and joined the Space program. It was a time of excitement and possibility, filled with rockets and exploring Florida’s wonders. In 1967, John and his family moved to Santa Barbara, California, where he worked for Aero Spacelines on the iconic Guppies, which was a specialized aircraft designed to transport the space shuttle.
In the 70’s, he switched from aerospace to heavy-lifting projects. He spent the last 20 years of his career solving heavy-lifting problems for the marine and aircraft industries, including building the modern shipyard in Batangas, Philippines, launching the oil platforms in the North Sea, and designing the moving bleachers at the Mile-High Stadium in Denver.
John’s work took him around the globe, where he embraced diverse cultures, met fascinating people, and developed a love for unique cuisines. From Japan to Korea, Brazil to London, he immersed himself in the local history and culture, always returning home with stories, gifts, new foods, and a sense of wonder to share with his family.
John’s sophistication and warmth made him a master at instantly forming genuine and lasting friendships wherever he went. His -and Bobbe’s- gracious hospitality was renown. Together. they transformed their home into a vibrant hub of fellowship. John was most in his element behind the home bar and at the pool table, where conversations often stretched long into the evening.
John was a man of many talents and passions- a real-life Indiana Jones. He was a pilot who owned and flew his own plane. He was an historian, especially fascinated by WWII. His engineering, inventive spirit continued to the end of his life, as he pursued his engineering patent in alternative energy. His was a life filled of curiosity and passion for innovation.
John is survived by his wife, Bobbe Johnson; his daughter Jan Dependahl and her husband Robert; his grandchildren Sam Dependahl (Rachele), with their children Paige, Clara, and Dash; and Kimberly McGillis (Charlie), with their children Kaia and Calvin.
Johnny leaves behind a legacy of innovation, exploration, and the deep love the family who adored him.
We miss you, Johnny!
