Richard L. Johnson, age 65, of Toston, passed away November 5, 2016.
Richard was born in Sedalia, Missouri and grew up in the Townsend and Toston areas of Broadwater County. He and his four sisters, Ruth, Reba, Rita, and Ruby loved the rural lifestyle and enjoyed many outdoor pursuits.
He graduated Broadwater County High School in 1970 and enlisted in the U. S. Army in September of that year. On February 12, 1972, he married his high school sweetheart, Diane McGaw, and they were both able to live in Germany during his tour there. Diane returned to Townsend in April of 1973 and their first son, Cliff, was born on July 8, 1973. Richard missed Cliff’s birth by one day. Their second son, Jon, was born in 1976 and third son, Lucas, was born in 1978.
When Richard finished his enlistment late int 1973 he began work in the agricultural sector. Richard worked as a logger, planer operator, ranch laborer, pellet plant operator and most recently as lumber yard night watchman until he was diagnosed with Leukemia last December.
Richard’s favorite activity was camping with the family. When the kids were little we headed for the mountains most weekends. When the boys were grown, he enjoyed setting up the tent before the weekend and inviting Jon and Cliff and their families, friends, horses, and dogs to join us. He loved Dutch oven cooking and feeding the crowd in the evening. During the day he could be found hunting, fishing or trail riding.
Richard had a lifelong interest in horses. His favorite horse sport was Mounted Shooting. He and his horse Monty ran with blazing guns and won several buckles. Richard also loved dogs; His best buddy Ace was a great comfort to him during his illness.
Most Sunday morning’s Richard attended church at Trailhead Christian Fellowship. There he made many friends and met with his Lord and Savior Jesus. He had many passages underlined in his Bible but his favorite was John 3: 16. He loved simplicity and had rock solid faith. During the last weeks before his death he liked to have Diane read from the gospel of John late in the evenings when everything was quiet. He was looking forward to seeing Jesus face to face.
Richard is survived by his wife, Diane, sons Cliff Johnson of Townsend and Jon Johnson (Kristen) of Winston, grandchildren Sadie Guthrie (Mike) of Townsend, Tyrell and Cassidy Johnson of Winston; sisters Ruth James (Allison) of Salt Lake City Utah, Reba Johnson of Toston, Rita Wilson (Doug) of Livingston, and Ruby Johnson of Toston. He is also survived by nieces Rebecca Ruhd (Dale), Vera Mae Wilson and Desiree Davis (Eric), and five great nieces.
Richard was preceded in death by his son Lucas Johnson, grandson Terrick Johnson, his parents Andy and Vera Johnson and stepmother Dorothy Johnson.
A special thanks to St. Peters Hospital, Oncology Unit. Dr. Weiner, the men and women on the nursing staff, and all the support people who treated Richard with such loving care. Thank you also to all the many friends and family that visited or called Richard during his illness at home and in the hospital. His face brightened for every call or visit. You all made a wonderful difference in his life.
A Viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 212 Broadway, Townsend, MT. A Funeral Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 10, 2016 at Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church, 20 Trailhead Dr., Townsend, with a reception to follow the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Compassion International, the Cancer Center at St. Peter’s hospital, or the charity of your choice. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Richard.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 9, 2016
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 9, 2016
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday November 10, 2016
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead Dr.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
After the service
Thursday November 10, 2016
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead Dr.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 9, 2016
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 9, 2016
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday November 10, 2016
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead Dr.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
After the service
Thursday November 10, 2016
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead Dr.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Share
Leah Gunderson says
My prayers are for the family and especially Jon!!
My fondest memories are of the pack trips.
May the Lord bless and keep all of you in this sad time/
Preston and Ruth Spruill says
What a wonderful man!! What a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and the absolute best father in law for our daughter Kristen….how she loved his sense of humor, his love of the outdoors, his wonderful camp cooking and on and on!..He has touched so many lives in so many strong and yet quiet ways. One of our happy memories was watching Richard and Jon try to catch and hold onto a less than year old colt! Once you catch them you can’t let go!!!! Wow, talk about strength and commitment!!
Our love to you all!
Faydra Lampshire says
Dearest Diane,
Words cannot express my sorrow upon hearing of the loss of your husband. Please know I am keeping you close in my heart and thoughts at all times.
Love to you and your family.
Faydra
Amanda Ferrat says
Dear Diane and family,
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of loss. May you find comfort and healing in each other and in God. Richard was a good man and will be missed.
Sincerely,
Amanda Ferrat
Sally Cuneo Ajello says
Diane, Jon, Cliff and family,
You are all in my prayers and on my heart. So sorry for the loss of such a wonderful husband, dad and grandfather. Thinking of you all.
Sally Cuneo Ajello
Dana Rauser says
So sorry for your loss, I’ve known Richard all my life. Good man and hard worker. Best news of all is receiving Jesus Christ as his savior!!! May blessings of heaven be poured out on your family.
Janice Longe says
Sorry to here of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steve Sautter says
We have lost a truly decent good man. Richard was a friend since childhood. To Diane and her family we wish you solace and comfort in the coming days. God speed.
Leslie Lamson says
The love you all had for your father, Jon, will help you and your family find the strength needed to get through this time of sorrow. Keep him in your heart and his memory shines bright. God is good and his love surrounds and cradles us. May he bless you all.
Wade toney says
Dear Family, Wade has lots of wonderful memories of Richard and his sisters.Our first house was bought from Richard and Diane.Our love and prayers to you all! May God heal your hearts .In Gods speed many prayers?
Dave Carroll says
Godly man! A great husband and dad! A valuable friend! Riding with Jesus…Amen!
Gail & Lorrie Vennes says
Diane and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. May our Lord wrap his arms around you all and bring you peace.
R. Douglas Wilson says
Richard Johson-the man, the myth ,the legend. Hard worker. Straight-up guy. Never could have been considered a motor-mouth; he chose his words care fully and meant them. If you look up “or school” in the dictionary, you’d find his sorta- smile looking back at you, and hear that one-of-a-kind laugh he had.
I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with him-but since I am married to my favorite one of his sisters, the connection is there nonetheless.
Ride on, brother-We’ll meet on the trail somewhere!
Amy Herrington says
Diane, Ruth, Reba, Rita, Ruby and family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss of Richard. May God Bless you all.
Akiko Herrington
Bob Chadwick says
Diane, Jon, Cliff and to all of the family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Richard. Though he is in the arms of the Lord now, and in a much better place, we’ll sorely miss him. I know that every time I pull out my Dutch Oven I’ll be thinking of him. Every year in camp, he’d ask me what new recipes I tried. You all have been such good friends and make me feel as though I were family, and though I can’t be there with you, I am in spirit. Richard taught me a lot about camp, hunting, and horses but more important is what he taught me about family. He was a great example, and I appreciated all he gave me. We’re going to miss his stories, his smile, his laugh, all the things that make me appreciate even more the time I spent with him.
All My Love – Bob
Jack Norris, Tennessee says
Rest In Peace old friend and army buddy from your friend from Tennessee. I rest with the peace of knowing you are with God, and shall always cherish your friendship,