It is with great sadness that we relay the passing of Gary Johnson, who was such a driving force behind our reunions. Gary passed away peacefully at home on Raft Island on June 8, 2019.
Gary was born in Tacoma, Washington on February 6, 1947. He was a fellow Wilson High School Class of '65 alum and was the senior class vice president as well as a Delegate Assembly member. He was also on the reserve football team, took drama and performed in several school plays. Gary loved skiing and was a member of the Wilson Ski Club.
After graduation from Wilson, Gary attended the University of Washington. He then transferred to UPS and graduated with a degree in English and Education in 1970. While starting his teaching career at Jefferson High School, Gary earned his Juris Doctorate from UPS Law School by night.
Gary is survived by his two daughters, Megan and Meredith, and his brother Curry.
This is what our classmates are saying about Gary:
Gary lived about a block away from me [growing up] and I have known him most of my life. He was a special friend and I will miss him. He had a unique sense of humor and I will always remember his laugh.
Eric Herrmann
Gary always had a determined attitude and wanted to keep our reunions and events going! Thanks to him we have had many wonderful reunions full of memories and nostalgia of our younger days. But as members of the team we also have our memories of his determination to reach as many alumni as possible, and to make sure we put on spectacular parties for them!
Pam Brower
We will certainly miss our fearless leader!
Gretchen Ross
I've known Gary since middle school at Tacoma Little Theater. He was always enthusiastic, funny, politically sarcastic and our class' loudest cheer leader.
Mikel Ann Robinson
Really hard to lose a friend you have had for 50 plus years. We always will have the memories to keep with us until we join him in paradise.
Peter Bennison
I too am saddened by the news of Gary’s passing. We were friends and anyone who knew him, which is everyone in our class, liked him.
Dan Fiorino
I'd invited Gary to the discussion night at the Tacoma Film Club. He said "I'll bet I could have plenty to say even if I haven't seen any of the movies."
Another funny:
Last year one day he asked whether I’d like to go out to celebrate St. Patty’s day. I told him about the one Irish bar I know of. He said he’d do some research. He got back to me and said he’d found a place to go: an English spot in Auburn. We did go there, and I took a bunch of caps, ties, glasses, etc. to help w/being silly. Then I asked “Why an English spot and not Irish? His answer, “Cause I’m a contrarian.”
Lin Swanson
