Nestor Walford Johnson, 90, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 3, 2016.

He was born Dec. 17, 1925, in Brocket, North Dakota, the fourth of seven children to Aili and Gustof Johnson.

Nestor learned the value of hard work from his farming family. He took great pride in his personal appearance, home and property. He often said, “If it is worth doing, do it right,” and, “Put your tools away in their proper place.”

Being part of the Greatest Generation, Nestor joined the Navy at age of 18, on March 24, 1944. Doing what was right, Nestor earned three stars for his service, mostly aboard the U.S.S. Saipan. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 15, 1950, and came home to his mother’s house in Missoula, which he had helped purchase. He fell in love with the girl next door, Virginia Johns, who was home on leave from the Civil Service.

Nestor and Virginia were married May 7, 1951, and raised their five children in Missoula. He was a good provider, sometimes working two jobs in addition to growing a large garden and hunting and fishing. Nestor had careers in logging, concrete work and road construction. He started as a laborer on paving crew, and, because of his work ethic and mathematical mind, he soon became a heavy machine operator, foreman and road planner. Nestor was a member of the Teamsters and Operating Engineers.

In retirement, Nestor and Virginia enjoyed traveling to visit friends and family, boating, and fishing. He got a kick out of pulling kids and grandkids on skis and tubes.

The last years of Nestor’s life were spent at Hillside Place Assisted Living. The family appreciated their care of Nestor and help in accepting his gradual slipping away. Nestor will be missed for his dry sense of humor, joking with staff and family.

Nestor was preceded in death by his parents, Aili and Gustof Johnson; stepfather, Walter Luchau; wife, Virginia; brothers, Waino, Leo and Arvi; son-in-law, Franz Barthel; and best friend, Geno Tardiff.

Nestor is survived by his five children, Greg (Lynn) Johnson, Louann (Jim) Convey, Elaine Johnson-Barthel, Marcelle (Robert) Taft, and Mark (Debbie) Johnson; seven grandchildren, Nicole Morgan, Logan Marie Barthel, Robert, Angie and Katie Taft, and Amanda and Wyatt Johnson; four great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Sadie West, Lydia Ford and Vienna Tripp.

Graveside memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, at the new Saint Mary’s cemetery, with full military honors. The family welcomes all to a reception after the service at Saint Francis Xavier Church.

Garden City Funeral Home is caring for the family. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Disabled Veterans or Veterans Food Bank.