Obituary of Melvin JOHNSON

Melvin William Johnson, 88, passed away in Lake Havasu City, Arizona on September 27, 2002. He was born November 23, 1913 in Spokane, Washington to Klas and Elna Johnson.Melvin moved to Lake Havasu 18 years ago from Anaconda, Montana where he was the owner and manager of Johnson's Building Materials.Mel had a zest for life. He would waken and say "Let's start our day and DO something even if it's wrong." He had a phenomenal memory and an inquisitive mind.His quick wit, jovial personality and love of people endeared him to his host of friends. He was considered the patriarch of the residents of Southwest Retreat where he lived. He looked forward to the return of the "snowbirds" each Fall when they would all resume the daily social hours and parties. These were such special times for him.He took up golf in his eighties.While living in Montana and especially at Georgetown Lake, Mel would look forward eagerly to the Thursday ice-fishing parties. At least that was what they were while he was a younger man. They evolved in poker parties as the men aged. The wives cooked up their specialties for the men. He had only to ride his snowmobile across a hill and road from the cabin he had built to go to the cabin of Judge Boyd where he enjoyed so many memorable times with his friends.Blackjack was his game and Laughlin was the city where he spent many challenging hours.He enjoyed his summers at Liberty Lake, WA and Swan Lake, MT at the homes of his daughter and son-in-law. While in Washington he could visit with his granddaughters and great-granddaughter.Never content to be idle and ever the lumberman that he was, he loved working with wood. His last effort in woodworking was to make the outdoor lamps for his daughter's new home at Swan Lake with the assistance of his son, Gary.He now shares eternity with Florence, his wife of over 60 years.His memory will live forever in our hearts.Mel was a member of the Rotary Club and a 59 year member of the Elks Lodge.Mr. Johnson is survived by his loving family, son, Gary Johnson of Tucson, Arizona; daughter, Gwen Brown and her husband Bill of Big Fork, Montana; sister, Ellen Doucette of Missoula, Montana; granddaughters, Terri Stravens and her husband Kelly, Cindy Schmitt and her husband Dave and great granddaughter Ally, all of Spokane, Washington and his good friend Kay Jacobson of Lake Havasu. He is also is survived by his cousin Rudy Nelson and his wife Maxine also of Spokane. Rudy and Melvin grew up together like brothers.A memorial service will be held Wednesday, October 2, 2002, 11:00 AM at Lietz-Fraze Chapel with Pastor Tom Dunham officiating.Contributions may go to Hospice of Havasu in his name.Arrangements were made by Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home.