William ‘Bill’ R.E. Johnson, 72

William “Bill” R.E. Johnson passed away Aug. 12, 2017, after a tough battle with cancer. He was born on March 4, 1945, in Portadown, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, to Albert and Margret Johnson.

Bill and his mom arrived to the U.S. on the RMS Queen Mary with many other English and Irish war brides and their children in 1946. The family moved to Iowa, but were quickly flooded out and moved to Wartrace, Tenn. They moved to El Segundo, Calif., in 1952. Bill graduated from El Segundo High School in 1963. He graduated from Los Angeles Trade and Technology College as a machinist and Long Beach State in education. He enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS Yorktown and USS Bonhomme Richard during the Vietnam War (1965-1967).

When he returned, he worked for various aerospace industries until he found a home at Hughes Space and Communications, where he worked for 18 years. While working at Hughes, Bill also taught machine shop at El Camino Community College.

In 1984, Bill married the love of his life, Jan Stringham, on the porch of his mountain house in Pine Mountain Club; they were surrounded by close family and friends. They had their daughter a year and a half later. Bill moved onto a small ranch in Post Falls with his family, in 1992. He worked as a tool and die maker at Kimball International for 14 years.

He finally retired in 2009, but he did not slow down. His passion for working with children had a chance to really shine, once he retired. He volunteered and helped his daughter at Shoshone Creek Ranch, where he always had a story to share and guidance to give. He volunteered at Mobius, where he helped children explore the magic of science, until he was diagnosed with cancer. He was also active in youth groups and Sunday school at both Peace Lutheran and Calvary Lutheran Church.

Bill had a passion for the outdoors. Whether it was boating, camping, hiking with his dogs, or horseback riding; he loved being outdoors with his family. Bill and his wife, Jan, loved to travel, especially to Alaska to visit their daughter, and to Los Angles to see their son and granddaughters. After he retired, he loved to take cruises to see the world.

Since 2009, Bill and Jan have been active members of the motorcycle group, Combat Vet Riders. He adopted the ride name of Sasquatch due to his large stature and presence. He loved participating in club events such as rides, fundraisers, being Santa at the annual Christmas party, and visiting other veterans at VA homes. He loved meeting with his bothers on Fridays for breakfast.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and numerous aunts and uncles. Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Jan Johnson; his son, Jeremiah Johnson; his daughter, Heather Johnson; two granddaughters, Mackenzie and Madison Johnson; and many other beloved relatives and friends.

A celebration of life is scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, at Peace Lutheran Church, 8134 N. Meyer Road, Post Falls, with a gathering to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Combat Vet Riders at http://combatvetriders.org/. Please visit Bill’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.

Bill will be incredibly missed by his family and friends, who love him and his stories.