Michael Steven Johnson passed away Saturday, March 17, 2018, in Grants Pass, Ore. at the age of 69 at home with family by his side.

Mike was born in Aberdeen in March, 1948 to Harvey and Martha (Makin) Johnson. He grew up on Lafayette Street in North Aberdeen with his older sisters, Gail and Melody, and tried to get into as much trouble as possible.

In his early 20s, Mike married Debbie White and the couple had two children: Michael and Michelle. In his later 20s, Mike divorced and moved to Grants Pass, Ore. He married Deborah Morgan and raised his young step-son, Justin.

Mike worked many years as a log truck foreman and mechanic for Slagle Trucking. He was an excellent welder and worked on the record-holding “The Phoenix”, the fastest diesel vehicle on land for his boss, R.B Slagle. When the logging industry collapsed and Slagle Trucking closed, Mike decided to start his own business in downtown Grants Pass: Mike’s Welding & Fabrication. He was a true craftsman with a welding torch. When his wife Deborah suffered a stroke five years ago, Mike retired to care for her. In the last couple of years, Mike was diagnosed with cancer, which took his life, but not without a good fight.

He will be remembered as a great friend, hard worker, avid card player, strong-willed, and, under that tough exterior, a gentle soul. He loved the water and fishing and enjoyed the Rogue River immensely. His ashes were laid to rest in Grants Pass.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Deborah of 38 years, his daughter Michelle Fox (Kevin) of Sultan, Wash., his step-son Justin Johnson (Casey) of Portland, Ore., his son Michael Johnson, of Eagle Rock, Va., seven grandchildren: Cassie, Josh, Jace, Jordan, Domanique, Brandon and Zachary, great-grandchild Camile, his sisters Gail Engel of Richland, Wash., Melody Rose (Victor) of Brier, Wash., Lisa Benn (Dennis) of Westport, Wash., his beloved dog Tucker, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins throughout Washington state. Mike was preceded in death by his mother Martha (at the age of 96), his father Harvey (lost at sea 10/29/1955) and step-father Bob Alexander.

All family and friends are welcome to join us for a celebration of Mike’s life, Saturday, June 2, at the Port of Grays Harbor Commission Meeting Room, 111 South Wooding St, Aberdeen at noon.