Donald H. Johnson passed away January 2, 2017. Don was born on July 6, 1923, in Kackley, Kansas to Henry and Esther Johnson, and was raised on their wheat farm. He graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and a 5th year degree in business.

During World War II, Don worked for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in Kansas City, Missouri, building engines for the B-17. He moved to Seattle in 1947 and worked for Boeing as an Engineering Inspector. When Boeing went on strike, Don went to work for Seattle City Light at Ross Dam as an Electrical Inspector for 2 years.

It was around this time that Don met and married his wife of 64 years, Aileen. They were united in marriage on August 16, 1952. After moving to Skagit County, they made their home in Mount Vernon until they moved to Skagit Golf and Country Club in 2000.

Don worked for 2 glass companies in Seattle and eventually went in to business with his partner, Dutch McBeath, in 1961. He became sole owner of McBeath Glass in Mount Vernon, and ran his successful business for 33 years until his retirement in 1992.

Upon his retirement, Don and Aileen joined WPA, a golf group. They traveled to many guest golf courses and hosted members from other groups as well. At the ripe old age of 82, Don scored a hole-in-one at Skagit Golf and Country Club, his home course.

Don liked to keep busy in his community and held many offices and positions in several service groups. He was an active member of the Mount Vernon Noon Rotary Group since 1961, and was a past President of that group. He spent many years selling and delivering Rotary strawberries. He was also a Charter President of American Field Service, and began the first exchange of foreign students at Mount Vernon High School.

Don was the first representative for Skagit County of the National Federation of Business for 10 years. He was the first elected "Boss of the Year" by the Credit Women's Group. As an active member of the Republican Party, Don served as Dan Evan's Skagit County Chairman and the Republican Party Chairman.

He served on the Board of United Way, and was an active member of Skagit Golf and Country Club. He was social chairman at the Country Club for many years and also served as Chairman of the salmon barbecue for 7 years.

He was a two time cancer survivor and helped form the Men's Cancer Club of Skagit County. Don was also very active in Relay for Life. He became Chairman and, in his true salesman style, secured many donations for this cause. It was hard to say "no" to Don.

Don was, without a doubt, a man of God. He was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church for 30 years. During this time he served three years as a Sacristan Eucharistic Minister Chairman and was a faithful Minister of The Bread. Don and Aileen enjoyed many years with their breakfast group which met after Mass on Sunday.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Aileen Johnson; daughter, Gail Fredlund and husband Mark; son, Mark Johnson and wife Pam. Grandchildren: Jennifer Fredlund, Jay Fredlund, Eric Fredlund (Chelsea), Blake Johnson, Anna Johnson and Cameron Johnson; and one Great-grandson, Reagan Fredlund.

Don will be missed dearly, and it is our turn to say "Toodle-oo!"

A Mass to celebrate Don's life will be held on Friday, January 13th at Immaculate Conception Church, 400 N. 15th St., Mount Vernon at 11 a.m. There will be a reception following at the Skagit Golf and Country Club in Burlington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, or any charity of choice.