Clifton A. Johnson
August 24, 2010
By Contributor
Clifton A. Johnson
Feb. 2, 1925 – July 29, 2010
Clifton Johnson was our beloved, husband, father, brother and friend.Clifton was born in Bellingham, the second of three children. He grew up on the family farm in Ferndale. He graduated from Ferndale High School in 1943 and joined the Navy to serve his nation in the South Pacific as a radar man.
He returned to Bellingham after World War II, married his high school sweetheart Phyllis and went to Western Washington State College under the GI bill. Although he was most comfortable with an informal and easy manner of speaking, in college he learned to love the great poets and finished with a degree in English and education. He had a good memory for poetry and frequently recited his favorites to the delight of many children.
Clifton and Phyllis moved from Bellingham to Everett, where they lived for 14 years and began to raise a family. Clifton taught sixth grade at Washington Elementary School, went on to earn a Master of Arts in education from WWSC, and became principal of Longfellow Elementary School.
In 1963, the family moved to Issaquah, where Clifton accepted a new challenge as assistant superintendent. Over the next few years, he completed his doctorate in education from the University of Washington and was also promoted to superintendent of the Issaquah School District. He served the community in this role until his retirement in 1983. In all, he dedicated 35 years to the care and education of children.
Clifton always dedicated his effort to the growth and learning of the children in his care. In his youth, he worked with the YMCA and Boys Club to help disadvantaged and troubled kids find opportunity and hope. Throughout his career, he remained an advocate for children against the pressures to streamline and shortcut their education.
He was active in the Issaquah community through the chamber of commerce, serving as president, and also the Kiwanis Club, where he frequently participated in cooking and serving salmon steaks at the Issaquah Salmon Days festival.
He was a gentle man and a devout Christian. He treated his fellows and the world about him with true kindness. He taught us through his actions, and yet could twist an outrageous discussion into an example of his faith.
Clifton loved life, and took it in big bites with a grin on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. He loved to read, travel, swim and play tennis. Above all else, he loved his wife Phyllis. They walked together through 63 years of work, play and faith in God.
He is preceded in death by his parents Abon and Lorena, and sister Mary-Ellen. He is survived by wife Phyllis; daughter Diana Starr; son Ted; brother William; son-in-law Richard Starr; grandchildren Kris Johnson, Melissa Starr and Jason Starr; and a score of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Together, we praise and celebrate a life so well lived.
We will hold a memorial service at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, at Greenwood Memorial Park in Renton. All of Clifton’s friends are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation either to the American Heart Association, the Kids in Need Foundation or the Mul
