Howard Allan Johnson passed away on June 10, 2025 in Helena, MT at the age of 87. He was born on August 26, 1937 in Everett, Washington to Allan and May (Hegge) Johnson.
Howard graduated from Queen Anne High School in Seattle and went on to earn a degree in French from Seattle Pacific College, where he met his beloved wife, Shirley.
After college, Howard joined the U.S. Army and attended the Army Language School in Monterey, California, where he studied Russian. Howard and Shirley were married on December 23, 1961. He left for Japan just a few short weeks after the wedding, and was stationed in Japan for two years. Shirley joined him upon her graduation from SPC the following summer.
Upon returning from Japan, Howard taught French at South Kitsap High School. He earned a Masters Degree in Library Science and in 1973 became the librarian at Curtis High School in University Place, Washington. Howard and Shirley, along with their two children (Kevin & Lori), settled in University Place, where they quickly immersed themselves in school, church and community activities. Howard worked at CHS until his retirement in 1997.
In retirement, he cherished time with family, working on carpentry projects, traveling and spending time at their Hood Canal cabin. Howard and Shirley relocated to Helena, Montana in 2015 to be closer to Lori and her family. He loved seeing his children and grandchildren in their concerts, theater performances and sporting events at both Curtis HS (University Place) and Capital HS (Helena).
Howard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley of Helena, MT; his sister, Barbara of Sanford, FL; his son, Kevin Johnson and his wife, Marci of University Place, WA; his daughter, Lori Michelotti and her husband, John of Helena, MT; grandchildren Kyle Johnson (Krista), Melissa Murakami (Josh), Rosie Michelotti, Nick Michelotti, Ellie Michelotti.
Howard’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He and Shirley were active in several churches and generously gave their time and resources to a variety of causes, always striving to live out their faith through service wherever they were. He will be remembered for his kindness, humility, and gentle spirit.
Howard actively volunteered with and supported local food banks in his communities, including Families Unlimited Network (University Place) and Helena Food Share (Helena). In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution toward one of these great organizations or a local food bank of your choosing.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Maura Uggetti says
I only met Howard and Shirley a handful of times but he was always kind, thoughtful and had a genuine and gentle spirit. My thoughts go out to Shirley, Lori, Kevin and families. How lucky were you to have had Howard in your lives.
Megan Michelotti says
Howard truly opened up any room he was in. His presence was never intrusive or constricting but expansive, thoughtful, and lively. Every interaction with him, you knew you’d come away having learnt something new. Howard helped tutor me in French when I was in college, and he and Shirley would have me over for lunch. My sister Maria once laughed when telling me that she was at a family gathering where people were talking about how great a book “Les Misérables” is. Towards the end of the conversation, Howard quietly remarked that it was even better in French. He was smart in the smartest way someone could be smart (if that makes sense). He never needed to prove anything, just always wanted to add something interesting or kind to an interaction or conversation. Howard, I hope you know many looked up to you, both physically and metaphorically.
Jeff Johnson says
Howard, I don’t know where to be begin. You are like my 2nd dad. When I look back on my life, you (and Shirley and family) are ever-present in the fondest, nearest, and farthest reaches of my memories, from childhood into adulthood. You always conveyed a calmness, kindness, and assuredness that left one knowing everything would be OK. When I tumbled headfirst in snowshoes partway down a steep hill in the Olympic Mountains, you were the first one down to grab me from my precarious situation. I never had to hear you say “I’ve got your back,” because it was obvious you did to anybody that knew you. Your quiet, gentle humility only served to amplify your greatness.
In this strange adventure we call life, I was a privileged soul to have been able to spend as much time as I did in your presence.
Isaac Newton was talking about scientific progress when he wrote “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants,” but it fits my memories of you. You gave me a grander, richer view of life. The world is a lesser place with your passing, but I will remember all that you taught me, I will remember your life well lived, and I will carry these memories with me to my last.
To the Johnson and Michelotti families, I mourn your loss with you. Thank you for sharing your husband/dad/grandfather with us over the years! Howard was, is, and always will be a blessing to us all!