Harold Grigsby Johnson of Aberdeen passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, at Riverside Place Assisted Living. He was 93.
A member of the Greatest Generation, Harold was born on Sept. 7, 1923, to John and Thora (Greguson) Johnson in Aberdeen, Wash. He graduated from Weatherwax High School in Aberdeen with the Class of 1941. Harold then attended Washington State College for a year prior to joining the United States Navy and serving in World War II with the Amphibious Forces in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. While serving, he attended the Montana School of Mines and was a graduate of the U.S. Navy Midshipmen’s School at Columbia University.
After completing his military service, Harold returned to Washington State College achieving his BA in Arts and Sciences (1948) and his BA in Business Administration (1949). He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.
Harold began his professional career with Aberdeen Federal Savings and Loan in 1949. He continued his education during his career graduating from the Savings and Loan School for Executive Development at the University of Washington, and also graduating from the Graduate School of Savings and Loan at Indiana University. Harold also served on the Board of Directors for the Washington State Savings League. After 49 years with Aberdeen Federal/Anchor Bank, Harold retired having served as President and Chairman of the Board.
On Aug. 4, 1951 he married Molly Genevieve (Halverson) Johnson at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Aberdeen, Wash. They recently celebrated 65 years of marriage and enjoyed years of world travel, golf, biking, good friends and family.
Harold was civic minded and served Aberdeen and Grays Harbor in many capacities including: Aberdeen School Board (Chairman of the School Board), Aberdeen Active Club (President), Aberdeen United Good Neighbor (General Chairman and Treasury Gifts Chairman), Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce (President), Neighborhood Housing Services (Board Member), Aberdeen YMCA (President of Board of Directors, Century Member, General Chairman for Capital Fund drive), Community Chest Drive (Chairman of the Auditing Committee), Red Cross (Chapter Chairman), and United Way of Grays Harbor (Harbor Stars Leadership and Giving Society).
He was also an active member in Our Saviors Lutheran Church/Amazing Grace Lutheran Church (President), Aberdeen Elks (67 years), Aberdeen Lions Club (62 years, President and Treasurer), Lions Club International (presented the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Service), V.F.W. (70 years), Sons of Norway, Boy Scouts of America (Century Member), Grays Harbor Choker Club (40 years), Grays Harbor Country Club, Touchdowners, and Harbor Eights.
Harold is survived by his son Jeffrey (Juli) Johnson of Bellevue, Wash.; and daughters Janet Silver of Mercer Island and Joan (William) Rabung of Aberdeen, Wash.; four grandchildren: Trevor (Annik) and Tanor Johnson, Molly and Mari Rabung; one great-granddaughter Nora Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Molly Johnson; son Craig Johnson; parents John and Thora Johnson; and brother Frederick Johnson.
Harold will be laid to rest in a private graveside service at Fern Hill Cemetery in Aberdeen, Wash. Memorials in Harold’s name may be made to Amazing Grace Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Riverside Assisted Living. They all went above and beyond providing unconditional care, love and support for Harold and his family.
To sign the online guest book and share memories of Harold please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen.
