Thomas Johnson

December 11, 1934 – January 18, 2011

      Thomas “Tom” Johnson was born December 11, 1934 in Hollister, CA. He died on January 18, 2011 in Bremerton, WA, at age 76.

      He was the son of Edward P. “Ted” and Phyllis (Walker) Johnson. Tom spent his early years on the family dairy in Hollister. He graduated from Watsonville High School in 1952 and entered the US Navy, serving in Norman, OK and Point Mugu, CA. During his naval service he met a pretty volunteer at a USO dance. In 1956 he married that USO girl, Audrey Joan “Jo” Hart. Two daughters were born of this marriage, Valerie and Beverly.

      Tom began a long career in wastewater treatment performing operation and maintenance duties at the Whittier Narrows Sewage Treatment Plant in Los Angeles. He later gained official certification in wastewater management. In 1969 he moved the family to Lake Oswego, OR where he joined the Environmental Protection Agency at its inception. In 1971 he was transferred to the EPA’s newly created Seattle branch office and moved the family to Bainbridge Island, where he resided until his death. During his career with the EPA he traveled extensively throughout the Northwest working with municipalities in planning, constructing and operating wastewater treatment plants. He left the agency in 1989 due to health issues.

      He was a member of the American Legion and the Bainbridge Island Sportsmen’s Club, and a past member of the Winslow Planning Commission. He enjoyed carpentry, salmon fishing, bingo and watching the Seahawks and Mariners.

      Tom is survived by his daughter Valerie Bellus (Brian) of Hood River, OR; daughter Beverly Payne (Roger) of Gaston, OR, as well as grandchildren Matthew Bellus (Amanda), Gretchen Goss (Steven), Hannah Forster (Joseph), and Andrew, Juliana and Samuel Payne; and two great-grandchildren, Braeden and Kamryn Bellus. He is also survived by a brother, Richard Johnson, and a sister, Alice Eaton. He is preceded in death by his wife Joan; his parents, his brother Edward and sisters Frances, Dorothy, Betty, Barbara and Audrey.

      Tom will be buried at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, OR with full military honors, at a later date. Linde Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials in Tom’s name may be made to the American Legion Post 172 or the USO.

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