Royal was born in Kalispell, Montana on April 7, 1945 to Charlotte and Walfred Johnson. He was the youngest of five sons. Royal spent his first three years in Bigfork before his family moved to Hardin, Montana, where he attended grade school and junior high. Just before his freshman year in high school the family moved to Roberts, Montana where Royal graduated from Roberts High School in 1963. He attended Montana State University before enrolling in the U.S. Army. He was deployed to Vietnam in 1966 and served with the 228th Assault Support Helicopter Battalion, the First Cavalry Division’s Chinook Battalion in An Khe. After his service, he returned to college in Bozeman and graduated with a degree in microbiology in 1970.
After graduation Royal moved back to Bigfork where he met his wife, Debby Brown, at a church picnic. One year later, on August 21, 1971, they were married at Bethany Lutheran Church. Royal and Debby took a month long honeymoon in a Volkswagen camper van. They traveled through Glacier Park into Canada, touring through Banff and Jasper National Parks. They saw the Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island and visited relatives in Seattle, before making their way down the Oregon Coast. They visited more relatives in Redding and Santa Cruz, California. They then headed home to Montana through Reno, Nevada.
Shortly after they returned from their honeymoon, Royal was offered a job with the State Health Department, where he worked out of Butte for two years. They returned to Bigfork to be closer to family and this is where their first son, Ryan, was born in 1977. The family eventually landed in Helena with Royal as the director of Family Planning. It was here that Rory and Regan were born. Rory in 1983 and Regan in 1985. Royal worked for Rocky Mountain Development Council for 25 years, and retired as Director of Head Start in the late 1990’s. During his time at RMDC Royal, along with two partners, owned The Suds Hut. It was an adventure, especially middle of the night calls from the police department because the alarm had gone off. They sold the Suds Hut and in 1995 he began a boat business, Performance Marine, which he and his partners owned for 7 years.
For the past 15 years, Royal worked for Community Development Institute (CDI) operating out of Denver, Colorado. He traveled across the country working with Head Start programs facing significant challenges. He worked his way up to become a Lead Site Manager within the organization. Royal enjoyed the work and travel, which took him from the East to West coasts and as far away as Puerto Rico. He especially enjoyed the diverse group of wonderful people with whom he worked.
Royal was an active man and enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities from hiking, snow skiing, and waterskiing to kayaking, rafting, and fishing. You could often find Royal playing basketball at the YMCA during lunch hours followed by a trip to Coney Island for a bowl of chili. He played basketball through his late-sixties, but was forced to stop playing when he broke his foot. He was always on the go. A favorite activity was floating the Smith River with his sons and friends, which he did almost annually for the past 30 years. He loved Montana and all of the activities it provides, but he also enjoyed traveling to new places and experiencing new adventures. He and Debby often traveled with friends or one or more of his sons and their families.
Royal’s family was important to him. He was extremely proud of his three sons and spent time with them whenever possible. He enjoyed having daughter-in-laws in his life and loved to tease them. As his sons grew up, he spent time with them fixing cars and helping them with home improvements and repairs. He could fix almost anything. He taught his sons well.
On the evening of May 4, 2016, Royal passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital. He remained active for the last 8 months, while living with pancreatic cancer. He traveled to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and spent time in Florida and Washington with friends and family. He floated the Swan, Missouri, Blackfoot, and Clark Fork rivers. He rode his side-by-side four-wheeler around in the mountains, scaring his wife on more than one occasion. Royal skied all winter and took advantage of Whitefish Mountain Resort’s free skiing for those 70 years old and above.
Royal’s dry sense of humor was appreciated by his family, co-workers, and his many friends. He was caring, lively, and fun and he lived his life well. He loved and was greatly loved by his family and friends. He will be missed by many.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walfred and Charlotte (Tunell) Johnson; his brothers, Wally, Robert and Charles. He leaves behind his wife, Debby; sons Rory (Lisa), Regan (Jalena), Ryan (Sara Leigh); grandsons Reese and Lee; brother Bryce (Jan); and numerous nieces and nephews.
His family would like to thank Dr.Thomas Wiener, Emily Burton, and the wonderful nurses and volunteers in the Cancer Center, as well as the nurses and caregivers in the Oncology Unit of St. Peter’s Hospital. Their care of the whole family was great help in our journey through this difficult process.
A memorial service celebrating Royal’s life will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 12th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A reception will immediately follow in the social hall of the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers and donations, feed a magpie in Royal’s honor or make a donation to a charity of your choice. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Royal.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:30 p.m.
Thursday May 12, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Thursday May 12, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H. Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:30 p.m.
Thursday May 12, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Thursday May 12, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H. Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
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Elinor Misfeldt Dickson says
I am stunned that my former boss at Family Planning passed; he was so nice, so helpful and he hired me when I really needed a job in the mid ’70s !! I had the utmost respect for him; loved him like a brother. He also told me once he w as the dishwasher at the Frontier Club in West Yellowstone when I waitressed there!! Think Bud Purdy, MSC, gave him the job as he did me. My love and prayers go out to Debbie, his 3 sons, an d his grandkids. He was THE BEST.
Nancy Sander says
So very sad to hear of Royal’s passing. He definitely was one of the “good guys”… Always fun to be around and a great great family man. I am glad I got to spend time with Deb and him in FL just last fall. We will miss him at our class reunions. Thoughts, prayers and hugs out to Deb and the boys and their families.
Elaine Garley says
I did not know Royal, although, from other postings it is clear he was a wonderful Father. Sincerely sorry to hear of your family loss. Prayers to all of you.
David Hovde says
So sad to hear about loss Deb !! Our thought’s are with you and your family !!
Dennis Crawford says
So very sad to hear of Royal’s passing. Our thoughts, too, are with Deb and the entire family ! I worked with Royal at Rocky Mountain Development Council when he was the head man for the Head Start program. A great guy to work with. He was respected by all of the manager’s at RMDC. He will be surely missed by so many.
Jim Nolan says
We will miss him greatly. He was one in a million. He leaves the absolute finest family. His wife and sons are just like him, wonderful people.
Linda Gillett says
Oh my gosh, we have been out of town and did not know of Royals passing. we are so sorry and very sad about this. our thoughts and prayers are with you Debbie, Ryan. Rory, and Regan.
Berdie Woodhouse says
So sad to hear of Royal’s passing. My sincere sympathy goes out to you Debbie, Ryan, Rory, and Reagan.
Gayle Hardgrave says
I had the pleasure of working with Royal at CDI for the past 7 years. I quickly became accustom to his dry sense of humor. His contributions to the children and families of Head Start over the past years were too many to name. I was lucky to have know him as a friend and co-worker. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during their time of loss.
Theresa (Schummer) Stahly says
Debby and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy, Cody and Becca Burgmeier & Steve Schmaus says
Debby & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Royal’s passing. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Becca and Cody also wanted me to pass along their sympathy. Regan – please know we are all thinking of you.
Virginia McPherson says
I only knew Royal for a short time but enjoyed his quick wit and friendliness. My condolences to his whole family. The world lost a good man prematurely!
Daniel Mack says
Oh Royal, one last head fake before you left? “When ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise.”
A great man, good friend, wonderful spirit, warm big heart and nice outside shot. Dylan reminded me of “Royale, with cheese!” when you hit a nice one, and none of us will ever forget leaving the world behind for an hour to ninety minutes to play with friends at lunch. You and a partner offered me my first job at Suds Hut 30 years ago, turned it down because of late hours in a new marriage–should have stuck with you guys! Loved it when you and D. came into the Windbag, now gone too, and thank you again for getting me in to the Delta Club in Minn Airport to pass my 3-hour layover. You were/are among the best.
Royal
(Royale, with cheese)
I saw a man once
standing in the gym of the Y
shooting beautiful arcs
old and gold
like a sunrise
they made me think
not of the arcs
but the man making them.
Amid the lesson of sport
he cared for none of that
though he professed a love for the game
and I learned quickly
it was not for making the arc
but for the kind of man
the arc had slowly made of him.
His were not the lessons
of a winning and losing competition
chest thumping, bumping comradery
but that of silent understanding
in ageless eyes
that it was making the journey
not the arc
while helping another up
not celebrating above them
their fall
reaching out
as others just walked by
in a noisy world
mute and deaf
to all the suffering
we pass every day.
This man
with his beautiful arcs
of understanding
old and gold
like the way
of another sunset
leaves me full
with the emptiness
of no more
so that when I see
that old basketball
lying still
in a darkened closet
dusty and deflated
like an old memory
I will think not of a game
left behind
but a beautiful
brilliant man
and those precious days
we ran together.
And so,
once more our paths will cross
in that place
where weary travelers still meet
and it will look much like
the airport’s Delta Club
when you opened the door
and we sat together
as you offered a friend
a kindness while
traveling our journeys.
This time,
I will hold the door, then
as I take my leave of you
beautiful brilliant man
standing at that Delta club
before a lighted entry
you will see many
beautiful arcs,
find many friends
excited to treat you
even better .
********
10-02-2015
Daniel Mack
Dee Barfknecht says
The Johnson Family,
I am so sorry to learn about Royal, what a wonderful man, loving husband and father, thinking of you at this sad time. My deepest sympathy and lots of love….
Dee
Tina says
Dear Aunt Debbie and family,
There are so many memories of Uncle Royal. His easy smile, playing with all the kids at family reunions, his sense of humor. He could always make things better with his smile.
I am so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing man and will be missed.
My love, thoughts, and prayers to you and my cousins.
Carolyn Miller, CDI CEO Emeritus says
Recently retired from CDI after 45 years, where Royal worked for the last 15 years since the inception of our biggest project, it was a blessing and an honor to have had Royal as a partner in CDI’s community to improve the lives of children and families around the country.
What a treat it always was at staff meetings in Denver when Royal’s dry sense of humor spilled over to lighten all of our spirits. Royal was hard working, humble, kind and generous in sharing of himself and his passions. The images of his funny antics are lasting, one in particular was priceless. Words cannot describe the hilarity he created at one particular training session when Royal came dancing into the room in full bee costume, complete with coolly engineered wings that worked!
Royal, there’s no one like you, friend, and your gentle humor, passion and lightness of being will continue filling us with joy.
Dave Van Nice says
My condolences to the Johnson family. I played many city league and YMCA basketball games with Royal and always knew he was one of “the great ones”, not just in basketball but in the big game of life. He played beautifully. Save me a spot on the bench in Heaven buddy.
Tish Wilson says
Good bye my dear friend and colleague Royal. I will feed a magpie and always think of you and remember how you always fed those poor starving dogs and cats in Puerto Rico. What a huge heart and giving spirit. Thanks for all you shared with me and taught me about humor and keeping things simple! Adios amigo!
Ed and Donnie Sexton says
We are so sorry to hear of Royal’s passing. Always good times with our kids growing up together. Cherish all the wonderful memories – may they help in the healing.
jim smith says
What beautiful tributes to Royal these are…..He was one of the great ones. I will miss him and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Rick O'Connell says
Debbie and family. So sorry to hear of Royals passing. His indomitable spirit will live on. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Anne, Olivia, and Paul Bauer says
Deb and family, we are so sorry to hear about Royal. What a wonderful legacy he left. You are in our prayers.
Diana Oleskow Lubich says
Debbie and family: I am so very sorry for this deep loss. I wish you peace and tender memories in these coming days.
Scott, Jill, Travis, Dylan and Morgan Henry says
We are truly saddened hearing of Royals passing. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Sending prayers to your family during this difficult time.
Rachel Braun says
Royal and his family have had a tender place in my heart since the day I met them in the cancer treatment center. Such a special family. I am honored to have met him and helped during this vulnerable time.
Mark Elliott, CDI CEO says
My dear friend Royal made such a contribution to CDI and the Head Start programs that we have served throughout the country. I spent a lot of time with Royal in Puerto Rico working with program staff and the communities we served there, and always enjoyed speaking in Spanish at Royal’s expense in front of a group (he always could understand more Spanish than he let on). Royal’s energy, liveliness, humor and caring were unmatched. Our CDI family will miss him dearly and his spirit shall live on in our culture and community.
Crystal and Dave Shors says
We didn’t know Royal long–not nearly long enough. We enjoyed his sense of humor, admired his boundless energy . We will miss playing “Let’s Make a Deal” with Royal at our sales. Our thoughts and prayers are with Debby and the family he loved so much.
Flor, Brighitte, Jean, Ana Rosa and Jaydrian: says
Royal, you were my friend and adopted part of my family. I will forever remember you as that angel that saved my son’s life Jaydrian from drowning. I truly believe that God put you in my path, because you were destined to be at that exact spot and time, to save my son. No gesture of thanks are worthy of the sacrifice that you made on that day, and thanks to you, my son was reborn again three years ago.
Although you have passed and now reside in Heavens with our Almighty God, Jaydrian will forever be a testament of the love you demonstrated to “your fellow man”. Royal, you will continue to live in our hearts and the Lopez Miranda family will forever be grateful for the sacrifices made on our behalf. A kindhearted man, blessed with a great family, your memory will live forever. Every time that I look up to the heavens, I will know that you are one of those shinning stars that flicker and wink your eye to say hello!
Flor, Brighitte, Jean, Ana Rosa and Jaydrian: says
Royal, you were my friend and adopted part of my family. I will forever remember you as that angel that saved my son’s life Jaydrian from drowning. I truly believe that God put you in my path, because you were destined to be at that exact spot and time, to save my son. No gesture of thanks are worthy of the sacrifice that you made on that day, and thanks to you, my son was reborn again three years ago.
Although you have passed and now reside in Heavens with our Almighty God, Jaydrian will forever be a testament of the love you demonstrated to “your fellow man”. Royal, you will continue to live in our hearts and the Lopez Miranda family will forever be grateful for the sacrifices made on our behalf. A kindhearted man, blessed with a great family, your memory will live forever. Every time that I look up to the heavens, I will know that you are one of those shinning stars that flicker and wink your eye to say hello!
Maggi Corbett says
There are no words to tell you how Royal will be missed. We first met at RMDC in 1978 and the old memories are many and treasured. Others here have spoken more eloquently and the shared beauty in friendship and laughter resonate with us all. His dry sense of humor and those wise blue eyes…I shall miss him. Debby and family, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and loving thoughts!
Aniceto Colunga, Jr. says
I feel so honored to write these few lines on behalf of a great human being who will be sorely missed by all who knew him. I first knew him as my supervisor in 2005, but had the good fortune of getting to know him as a true friend. I am blessed for having shared so many great moments together with Royal, during our travels in New Jersey and then, in Puerto Rico. Royal’s compassion for others was without equal and knew no limits. With a quiet and unselfish demeanor, Royal was that “pillar of strength” who appreciated folks for their simplicity and love for family and those we served.
His love for nature and the great outdoors was his mantra, and I recall a time during our Santa Isabel start-up when Royal found a small kitten while walking the grounds at the Ponce Hilton, Puerto Rico. The kitten did not have a right eye and the entire area was very swollen. Royal adopted this kitten and for the next two weeks, he cared and nurtured this little animal back to health. As it got time to fly back home, I noticed a worried Royal, frantically approaching different employees and negotiating with them. At first, I was not aware what he was doing, but after asking him if I could help with anything, Royal confessed that he was very worried about his kitten and he wanted to make sure that he left it with someone that could care and love it like he had during the time he was there.
Though I met you at work Royal, we both enjoyed a life that went way beyond those thresholds and I will cherish the many great learning moments as your apprentice in life. Royal really knew how to enjoy life, a quality I will admire and try to emulate myself in loving memory of him. You will be truly missed, but I have faith in the Almighty and his promise for everlasting life and Heaven is very fortunate this day to have one of his Angels return back. You are and will always be “one of the greatest men I ever knew”. “God speed Royal and continue to do 360 degree turns in that kayak”!
Joy Novota says
Debby,
From years past when we attended ORLC together, I remember you & am sad to read the news of your husband’s death. May the angels keep you safe, & may the love of our Lord & your faith, family & friends help you through this new journey. From all that I’ve read, your life was filled with one adventure after another, & Royal lived life well. My thoughts are with you.
Evelyn Givens says
Royal was my first supervisor when I joined CDI in 2011. I will be forever grateful for the guidance and support provided. Most of all I will remember his fun loving nature and crazy sense of humor. Kept me laughing. You will be missed!
Les and Louise says
Royal’s passing will leave a void on this planet, but our memory of him will bring joy. To Deb, the boys and their families, our sincere wishes and prayers in this time of loss. Les and Louise Cramer.
Belinda Rinker says
To Debby and Royal’s family from Belinda Rinker. I knew Royal for many years, both through his Head Start work in Montana, and in our shared work at CDI. His contribution to the world of early childhood education was without measure. More importantly, he was a wonderful person who deeply loved his family and spoke often of them even though his travels for work took him away from them all too often. He was a great storyteller with a droll sense of humor, and his love of nature and the outdoors was grist for some wonderful conversations about our shared background as Montanans. I will miss him forever, and would have loved one more hug before he said goodbye. My condolences, and my thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time.
Janet K. Petersen says
Dear Debby and family,
Judy Pratt’s sister Jan here remembering Royal and what a wonderful family friend to Judy, Don, Amy, Chris and Greg he was. And, Amy babysitting for Ryan and loving being with your family. So sorry for your loss; please know old friends are praying for you.
Maggie Velez says
Maggie, Abdiel and Jamie Lee says:
Dear Debbie and Family,
Lost from this lifetime, but not lost forever. Our hearts are full of wonderful memories that would keep anyone alive for years to come. Please accept our condolences for your loss.
Shannon Kinsella Thomas says
Deb, Rory, Regan and Ryan,
I saw Schulz at a track meet today and he told me about Royal. I am so sorry. I wish I had known to be at the service. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love always.
Christopher DeVerniero says
Debbie, Ryan, Rory, and Regan
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Royal was an exceptional man who always welcomed me into your home and treated as one of his own. I have many found memories from my youth spending time at the lake or enjoying dinner at the Suds Hut with all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Shawna Pinckney says
On behalf of the Office of Head Start, we were terribly saddened to hear of Royal’s passing. During his tenure with CDI, Royal gave so generously of his time, talents and wonderful spirit to thousands of children in poverty across the country. There are many communities that are forever changed due to Royal’s unwavering commitment to quality pre-school education for all children. We, at the Office of Head Start, will miss Royal dearly. Your family is held closely in our hearts and prayers.
Karen Hotze, Former Employee, Somerset County Head Start, NJ says
It is all well with your soul, Royal. Rest in Perfect Peace. May the Lord welcome you among His Saints.