Lynn B. Johnson passed away on January 2, 2021 at his getaway home in Othello, WA at the age of 71. He was born on September 18, 1949 in Fargo, North Dakota. The family moved to Washington in search of warmer weather and for job opportunities when Lynn was 9 years old.

At an early age Lynn learned the value of hard work and perfection. He was a lifelong learner. Lynn worked as a painter, construction business owner, mobile home developer and owner, maintenance manager, project estimator. He was a man who wore many hats and enjoyed meeting new people and exploring new adventures. But, most of all, he enjoyed ity government and his role as councilman for 12 years for the City of Benton City and ultimately as Mayor of the small town for 4 years. This was his proudest accomplishment of all. Lynn was instrumental in bringing transit services to Benton City citizens. He served as a board member for the Ben Franklin Transit for many years.

Lynn started work at an early age and worked in a diner cultivating his culinary skills and crafted his art. He carried these skills with him throughout his life as one of the many hats he donned. Everyone who knew Lynn, knew he enjoyed food and was quite specific about his likes and dislikes in preparation of foods. Throughout his life he had become quite an expert in preparing certain dishes and as always his beloved peanut butter cookies with the perfect crunch no other could master. Christmas was always important to Lynn, he enjoyed reading aloud a passage from the bible to all who accompanied him and prepared traditional foods from Norway for his family, Lefse and Fattigmann, smoked fish and cheeses. Some of his culinary tools had been with him his whole life. We will certainly miss his wonderful cooking.

Lynn enjoyed water and snow skiing in his younger days, remodeling any sort of project, fishing, hunting, golfing in Othello at “the getaway” and traveling to  Norway to  enjoy his heritage with his parents as well as many memorable trips to Washington DC with his wife, Lynda and other family members. They both were always excited to visit Lynn’s favorite cousin, Gary Zimmerman in North Dakota and Arizona which was always an adventure when they got together for fun times “You Betcha!” Lynn was very fond of his best friend Doug Garrison and his wife Diana and all the good times they shared together. Lynn often shared many memories of his lifelong friend, Van Ehlers, throughout the years.

Lynn will always be remembered for his love of family, a deeply caring and loving father. His daughter Katie has fond memories of her father raising Pheasants for release and to enjoy the eggs. All the kids enjoyed being coached by their father in little league, he was an active father when he was not working

Lynn battled his cancer (Multiple Myeloma) with such bravery for two  years ending with kidney and heart failure. He fought a courageous battle all the way to the end maintaining his independence. He enjoyed his final Christmas surrounded by family, and singing White Christmas quietly for those that listened to hear. He knew this was the last Christmas and it was meaningful for him and all of us. Many thanks to all the doctors, nurses, friends and family for all the love and support that always brought a smile to his face. The Tri Cities Cancer Center and Davita Dialysis Center were like family as time passed. A special thank you to Dr. Akaum and his nurse Edith for always being so compassionate and caring. All the nurses at the cancer center were so caring as well especially Megan, Rachel and Lisa.

Lynn was preceded in death by his father Willar d and M other Bryn Johnson, sist er Bery l Cart wr ight. Lynn is survived by the love of his life for the past 25 years Lynda (Elder) Johnson of Benton City, WA. Brother Olaf “Topper” Johnson (Debra) of Bonnie Lake, WA Sister Cindy McCormick (Scott) of Maui, HI Daughter Katie VanDyken (Paul) of Spanaway, WA. Sons Terry Johnson (Hilda) Bonnie Lake, WA, Brad

Johnson (Lou Ann) of Benton City, WA. Ryan Johnson (Sara) of Talent, OR. Stepdaughter Tara Rattray (Bryan) of Banks, OR Stepdaughter Haili Strickland (Bill) of Burbank, WA and Stepson Chris Rattray (Dona) of Liberty Hill, TX and eight grandchildren. Lynn’s prior wives include Carol (Goff) Johnson and KaIleen (Cook) Johnson.

He will be truly missed and remembered for always “doing it my way”. A memorial with graveside services at Evergreen Cemetery in Benton City, WA will be announced in the near future.