Dallard Vern "Dal" Johnson

Dallard Vern "Dal" Johnson met his maker Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at his home with his daughter Jana and wife at his side.

Dal was born Sept. 15, 1932, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, to Vernace and Marjorie Johnson to join brother Dale. He spent his formative years attending Boy's Technical High School majoring in electricity which he found useful later in life. He worked in a bakery, was a life guard on Lake Michigan, and worked as a sheet metal worker. None of these were what he wanted to do. He loved the woods and mountains. After attending the University of Wisconsin at their two-year Milwaukee extension, he received a swimming scholarship to Montana State University, Missoula where he majored in forestry and graduated in 1956. While going to school, he worked on a lookout and was a smokejumper.

He met his future wife Myra Jean Campbell at MSU and they were married the day after he graduated. They moved to Troy, working for the U.S. Forest Service. From there, he was drafted into the Army and spent two years in San Antonio, Texas, on the modern pentathlon team. After discharge, he went back to the Forest Service being stationed in Rexford/Eureka. Next assignment was Upper Ford, Yaak. During this time, daughters Jodi and Jana were born. Red River, Idaho, found Dal the ranger for the USFS. Son Kevin joined his sisters here. Sandpoint, Idaho, was the next assignment. Building a two story addition to a small house had his carpeting and electric skills put to good use.

Dal enjoyed skiing, hunting big game, fly fishing, hiking and camping with his family. His last move was to Missoula were he took up bike riding doing 17 TOSRVS. He ran many races including the first River Bank Run. After retiring, he and Jean traveled all over the U.S., Canada and Mexico in an RV. Be happy, Dal fulfilled his bucket list.

Dal was an active member in the First Presbyterian Church serving as a deacon and elder. He baked 40 loaves of bread each year for the women's bake sales. He was active with the youth. He led Holiday Rambler RV groups on caravans and met many wonderful people.

Survivors include his loving wife, Myra Jean, of 58 years; two daughters, one son and their families, Jodi (Will) Cunningham, Jana (Robert) Hoffman, Kevin (Becka) Johnson; five grandchildren, Andrea Jones, Logan Hoffman, Henry and Whitaker Johnson and step-grandson William Cunningham; his brother Dale (Ruth) Johnson and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and a niece.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 4, at 11 a.m in the First Presbyterian Church, 201 S. Fifth St. W. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor Dal, contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Stephen's Ministry or Partners Hospice Care, 2687 Palmer St., Suite B, Missoula, MT 59808 or charity of your choice.

HE'S FREE AT LAST!!
Read Dallard Johnson's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.