RICHARD W "RICK" JOHNSON Obituary (1944

Richard W. "Rick," Johnson, 77, passed away January 31, 2022 at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Libby, Montana on November 14, 1944 to Fred and Margaret Johnson. He was raised and educated in Libby, graduating in 1963. After spending a year at Northern Montana College in Havre, he was drafted into the US Army and served 2 years as a weapons specialist, including 1 year in Vietnam. Rick was very proud of his military service. His daughter, Shayne and grandson Reagan, followed in his footsteps serving in the Air Force and Army, respectively. Following his military service, he returned to Libby in 1967. Rick began working for the Forest Service, stationed at one of his favorite places, Raven Ranger Station. In the summer of 1967, he met Mary Lee Craver, the love of his life. They were married in September of 1968. Rick and Mary Lee built a beautiful life together with their children Scott and Shayne. Hunting, fishing, skiing and water sports were how Rick spent his family time. His hunting camp on Richards Mountain was legendary among friends, with many weekends spent hunting deer and elk. He gave many summer weekends to Kootenai Winter Sports and Turner Mountain, serving on the board of directors, keeping the old T Bar up and running, and clearing brush from trails. Following his Forest Service career, Rick went on to work at St. Regis Paper Company, working in the woods, running skidder, setting chokers, and running dozer. Work, however, was always secondary to his family. Rick raced canoes and log rafts. He floated most of the major rivers in Montana with his paddling group the "Hardy Boys" (Paul Johnson, John Damon, Randy Edwards, John Lindsay, Ed Pederson and Will Shirley) from 1985 until 2021. They floated the Missouri, Milk, and Marias rivers each spring. Rick always had the best stories about these adventures. Rick is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Johnson Hill, father, Fred Johnson, brother Dale Johnson and sister Beverly Hamann. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Mary Lee; son Scott and wife Andrea; daughter Shayne and husband Matt, grandchildren Marlayna, Reagan, Zach and Addison; a sister, Margie Drury; Paul Johnson, best friend and nephew along with several nieces, nephews, extended family and countless friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wings or The American Legion, Austin Reedy Post. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.