Eugene Willis Johnson, affectionately known as Red because of his flaming red hair, passed on July 16, 2016, at the age of 92. He was born on Nov. 25, 1923, in Mandan, N.D., to Bill and Myrtle Johnson. He was the second of five sons. The aftereffects of the Great Dust Bowl forced his family move to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 1939.

He graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School. Afterward, he helped build Farragut Naval Training Center. He then enlisted in the Navy. His boot camp training was completed at Farragut and he was assigned to Shore patrol. He transferred to San Diego and trained to be a gunner’s mate. World War II was in full swing and he was sent to the Pacific Theater. During his four-year tour of duty, he participated in the attack at Iwo Jima where he saw the first flag raised.

On Nov. 29, 1943, right before shipping out, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jean Hutsell. After the war, he studied accounting at Kinman College in Spokane, Wash. He started the first Purina Feed Store in Coeur d’Alene. While in Coeur d’Alene, Red and Betty raised their two children, Tamara and Richard.

Afterward, he helped with the farming development of the four Northwest states including the Tri-Cities by bringing irrigation into the areas which changed the landscape and allowed for farming in the desert. When he retired, Red moved between Montana, Arizona and Colorado where he dabbled in real estate and mined for gold, but never struck it rich.

In his golden years, he found himself back in Coeur d’Alene. He enjoyed hanging out with old friends and spending time with family. His favorite pastime was playing cards and it was well-known that he could be a crafty card player. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 72 years, two children, three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Red’s life will be held starting at 4 p.m. Friday, July 29, 2016, at Q’emiln Park on Spokane Street in Post Falls. Request Johnson party when parking for fee to be waived. Please bring your favorite dish and a favorite memory to share. Soft drinks and water will be provided.