John O. Johnson, 83, surrounded by family and friends, passed away at Providence Medical Center on Wed., Dec. 1, 2010. John, a life-long resident of Skagit County, was the son of Otto and Jennie Johnson who emigrated from Sweden. He graduated from Sedro- Woolley High School in 1944 and worked on the family farm until he began hauling freight for United Buckingham in 1951. He joined Nilson Construction in 1953 and worked 36 years as a heavy equipment operator, excavating and building roads all over Skagit County. In 1968 he married Dorothy Heiner and together they shared a strong and binding love. Both John and Dorothy loved photography, camping, hunting, snowshoeing, fishing, and snowmobiling. John was a member of the Clear Lake Fire Deparment for 17 years, a charter member of the U.S. Power Squadron, and a member of the Cascade Two Cylinder Club. John was preceded in death in 1996 by his wife Dorothy. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Becky Johnson and three grandchildren, Emily, Michael, and Sophie Johnson, all of Mount Vernon. He also leaves a sister, Alice Anderson of Silverdale, WA and numerous nieces and nephews. John was a kind and patient man who made friends easily. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. Many will miss his conpanionship and funloving sense of humor. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. John said ?Life has had it's ups and downs, but God has given me a good life.? Graveside service will be Thursday, December 9, at 1:00pm at Bow Cemetery. Funeral services will follow at 2:30pm at Bethany Covenant Church in Mount Vernon with reception immediately following. Memorials may be made in John's name to the Clear Lake Covenant Church.