Edward Allen Johnson passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 7th, 2016 in Helena, Montana.
Ed was born on December 21, 1941 in Superior, Montana to Lloyd and Nola (Spencer) Johnson. After spending several years in western Montana, the Johnson family moved east and eventually settled in the small community of Augusta, Montana. Ed attended elementary school in Augusta and graduated from Augusta High School (with honors) in 1959.
After graduation, Ed enlisted in the Navy and served his country honorably from 1960 to 1964. Upon his return to Montana, Ed met the love of his life and was married to LaVay Johnson on August 27th, 1966. In addition to gaining a wife, Ed added three outstanding sons to the family – John, Jeff and Brett Bomar. A short while later, another son (Paul) made the family complete.
In 1969, Ed graduated from Montana State University and began his teaching career at CR Anderson Middle School in Helena. Ed spent 15 years at CR Anderson before transferring to Helena High School in 1984. Ed remained at Helena High until his retirement in 1991. Throughout his career, Ed made a lasting impression on the young men and women who entered his classroom. Whether it was Math lessons or life lessons, Ed helped prepare his students for the journey to come. As a result of his hard work and dedication, Ed was recognized as the Teacher of the Year for 1989-1990.
Once retired, Ed was free to pursue his greatest passions. Most of these pursuits involved being in the outdoors. Ed was an avid fisherman and an exceptional elk hunter. He enjoyed searching for arrowheads and spent hours scouring the mountains and prairies for shiny bits of obsidian. He loved a good book and he loved to share the knowledge he obtained from those books.
He also loved fixing things and solving problems. There was almost nothing that Ed couldn’t build or fix. The number of projects that he worked on was endless. And, the list of people that he helped was almost as long. Ed was the first person that everyone would call if they had a problem. Ed was always there to lend a hand. He was a father, grandpa, uncle and brother to everyone and his family extends well beyond just his relatives.
Ed is survived by his wife LaVay, two brothers – Don (Lanore) Johnson and Ken (Val) Palmer, a sister Sharon (Jack) White, four sons – Paul (Tammy) Johnson, John Bomar, Jeff (Marilyn) Bomar and Brett (Mary) Bomar, thirteen grandchildren – Nic Wilcox, Montana Roberts, TJ Roberts, Doreen Bomar, Bryn Bomar, Jacob Larson, Jon Larson, Lyndsie Bomar, TJ Bomar, Kyle Bomar, David Poole, Jami (Cory) Novak, Rei Iverson and one great grandchild – Finn Esselstrom. Ed is also survived by in-laws Rodger and Sheila Nordahl (Helena) and Ron and Barb Johnson (Spokane) – as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Ed was preceded in death by his father – Lloyd Johnson (killed in World War II), mother – Nola (Spencer) Palmer, stepfather – Reed Palmer and brother – Jerry (Judy) Johnson.
A funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 15th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. A graveside service with Military Honors will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16th at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
Memorials in Ed’s name are suggested to The Angel Fund, P.O. Box 7436, Helena, Montana 59604 or to Montana State Veterans Cemetery, P.O. Box 4789 Fort Harrison, MT.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory Ed.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday February 15, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday February 15, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 16, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday February 15, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday February 15, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 16, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Ann Curlee says
Ed was the finest example of a gentle man. I taught with him at CRA Elementary/Junior High. When I decided to get my Master’s Degree in Dillon, Ed tutored me in Statistics and Tests and Meadurements for he was down there getting his Master’s,too. He had a wonderful sense of humor. I can still see the twinkle in his eyes now. I would not have survived those courses without Ed. May Ed rest in peace now. My thoughts go out to LaVay and all Ed’s family. Loved you, Ed. It is a very sad time, Ann Curlee
buzz helfert says
Lavay and family- I am sure sorry to hear of Ed’s passing,he was one of my best friends.I believe Ed was the smartest man I knew.His wealth of knowledge covered everything from Anthropology to Zoology,Angling to Wiring, and everything in between. Ed stopped by the Helena Farm Supply coffee club once or twice a week, and I always told the boys that 3 of Ed’s lectures was worth one college credit on that subject. Ed loved life,and especially the time that he spent outdoors with his brothers,sons,and grandkids.He was always willing to lend a hand to a friend or neighbor,and I know his list of ‘best friends’ was endless. Rest in peace my friend, you,ve earned it. Buzz Helfert
Orvill and Chelsea Paller says
LaVay, Sharon, Don and Family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you on occasion of Ed’s passing. We’re so very grateful that we got to meet and get with Ed at our Johnson Family Reunion back in August 2014. What a blessing to know that our Savior, Jesus Christ, has made it possible for our families to be together forever! We can only imagine and hope that Ed had a wonderful reunion with family and loved ones – and especially with his father Lloyd who passed when Ed was just a toddler. Please know that we love you and extend our prayers and sympathies to each of you. Orvill and Chelsea Paller, Orem, Utah
Jeff and Marie Hoeffner says
Ed was the strongest man we have ever known – not just physically, but mentally, and in character and integrity. He was like a second “dad” to us, and like a “grandpa” to our children, Colin, Kenny and Caitlin. He is sorely missed here at the ranch where he put in 18-plus years helping us. On the first day we had the place Ed was there, eager to help us begin haying. Little did he know but he would spend thousands of more hours helping us do whatever needed to be done. We couldn’t have made it without him! He was always there for us, no matter what. When you called Ed he would always say he’d be there in five minutes, and he was!
He spent countless hours helping our kids with whatever math problems they were stuck on, whether it was algebra or college calculus. He went to their sporting events and never forgot birthdays. He hunted with them. He taught them how to fish!
He had great pride in his family, his beloved wife, LaVay, his four sons, and grandchildren. He had countless friends and former students who were touched by his kindness. He will be forever missed!
Tracie and Justyne Prescott says
LaVay, Paul and Family
Sorry for your loss. Ed was an incredible man. Justyne and I have countless memories of joyful times with you and Ed. Ed was always the jokester and could put a smile on your face no matter the situation. He will be missed by everyone that the fortune of meeting him. RIP Ed; we love you.
Love Tracie and Justyne
Jan Sassano Funston says
Ed was an amazing teacher. One of my all-time favorites. His passing is a great loss.
Aimee Shein says
I got to know Ed when his mom was at Aspen Gardens. I enjoyed his weekly visits. His smile, encouraging words, and humor brightened my day. May he soar with the Angels. Aimee Shein
FAYDEE HAMILTON says
Ed was one of the finest most integral men I ever knew. He left such a legacy of a life well-lived with his students and friends. My deepest sympathy to the family. Montana lost a good man when he passed.
Stacy Niklas Fessenden says
Ditto on being an amazing teacher! I not only learned math, but also love math because of Ed and his brother, Don. I am so thankful to have had him as a teacher, and I am very sorry for your loss. What a great man!
kelly schroeder rhimer says
To Mr Johnson’s Family,
Please accept my thoughts and prayers on your loss. Mr. Johnson was one of my teachers at CRA. I always enjoyed him and he akways had a wonderful smile, and easy to talk to. And hope this is not rude but he was always one of the best looking teachers all these years. He will be missed. Some students will never know what they missed. We lost a great teacher and person.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ryan Crawford says
Mr Johnson was one of the best teachers I ever had. He had an amazing gift for explaining math.
May he rest in peace.