Harrison Carl Johnson Jr., age 64, passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, in Whitefish, due to a heart attack.

He was born Aug. 7, 1946, in Rochester, N.Y., to Harrison Carl and Bertha (Denby) Johnson.

Carl was raised in Rochester until the early 1960s when the family moved to California. He graduated from Victor Valley High School in Victorville, Calif., in 1965. He was very active in sports in high school. Carl attended Victor Valley College and continued his sports involvement, playing baseball, basketball and soccer and also participating in the drama and music programs. Upon graduation, he transferred to San Diego State University, played on the baseball team and continued his interest in music. He earned a degree in physical education.

Sports were his passion and Carl spent a lifetime coaching many athletic teams in numerous sports at all age levels. He especially enjoyed coaching the swimming and water polo teams at Victor Valley High School.

Carl earned two master of arts degrees from California State University, San Bernadino in special education and administration, and held teaching credentials in physical education, special education and administration.

He devoted the last 22 years of his work career to meeting the needs of the special education students of the Victor Valley Union High School District.

He was recognized by Who's Who Among America's teachers in 1998 and was nominated for Educator of the Year of the California League of High Schools, Region 10, in 2003.

Carl was an avid golfer and belonged to the Apple Valley Country Club for 18 years, serving a term on the board of directors and as president of the men's club. He was currently a member of the board of the Meadow Lake Resort in Columbia Falls.

Carl retired in June 2009 and moved to the Meadow Lake community in Columbia Falls, where he and April shared a wonderful two years exploring the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park.

Carl had a wonderful outgoing personality and he touched the lives of many athletes, students, co-workers, friends and family. He will be sorely missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Robert, Jack and Arthur; and a sister, Elaine.

He is survived by his wife, April, of Columbia Falls; son Tim Johnson and wife Gloria of San Diego, Calif.; and granddaughters Sage and Cheyenne; a brother, Gordon Ryan; and a sister, Lorraine Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Carl loved his family and was extremely proud of them. "He would do anything to help them and make them happy. He created many happy memories which will carry us through the years to come."

Memorial services for Carl were held on Saturday, June 25, 2011, at Columbia Mortuary.

People may go to www.columbiamortuary.com to offer condolences and view Carl's tribute wall.