Obituary of Orvie Johnson

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Westminster Presbyterian Church for Orvie M Johnson of Eugene. Orvie died at home on February 25th with his wife Elaine at his side. Orvie was born in Carnation, WA in 1919 to recent Swedish immigrants Anna and Chris Johnson. He was raised with brothers Nels, John, Folke and sisters Lily and May. He graduated from Tolt Union High School, Carnation, Washington and attended the University of Washington 1939 - 1942. While attending college, Orvie worked the family farm and at Boeing (Seattle 1939 - 1951). He served in the Army Air Corp (1945). Orvie and Elaine (Peterson) met when both were 17 years old. By 1942 they committed to a lifetime partnership of 72 years. Orvie and Elaine spent many summer afternoons with family and friends at Vasa Park, Lake Sammamish, WA. In 1951 the family which now included son Rodney (1944) and daughter Lorene (1947) moved to Portland, OR when Orvie pursued a career in the wood products industry. Son Richard was born in 1955. Orvie worked for Multnomah Plywood (1951 - 1953), Dant & Russell, Inc (1953 - 1957) and Cascade Plywood (1957 - 1959). The family moved to Lebanon, OR where Orvie became the plywood plant manager for Cascade Plywood (1959 - 1962). Eugene became home in 1962 where Orvie worked for US Plywood / Champion International until his retirement in 1985. Orvie was active in many organizations. He was life member of Knights Templar, Seattle, Al Kader Temple & Scandinavian Male Chorus (Portland), Royal Arch Masons (Albany), Eugene Elks, Shadow Hills Country Club and Westminster Presbyterian Church (Eugene). Orvie was a avid golfer, gardener and loved to work in his shop crafting all things made of wood. His family love was unwavering to his and Elaine’s siblings and their families. He was a man of great integrity, generosity and warmth. His quiet strength of character and his honest kindness towards others fostered effortless, genuine relationships with everyone he met. In addition to his wife Elaine, Orvie is survived by his sons Rodney (Mila) of Hawaii, Richard (Marie) of Eugene and daughter Lorene (Chris) of Portland, all of who were the beneficiary of that legacy of devotion. Sharing in their commitment of love were 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 4 great, great grandchildren. Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Viewing will be held at Musgrove Family Mortuary on Sat., March 7, from 10 AM to 2 PM. In lieu of flowers donations to charity of your choice, Cancer Society or Westminster Presbyterian Church.