Howard Cecil Johnson, BHS 1961

Howard Cecil Johnson, BHS 1961 

August 05, 1943 - June 27, 2010

Birthplace: Los Angeles, California

Resided In: Cohasset, California

Howard Cecil Johnson was born August 5, 1943 in Los Angeles, CA to Cecil Marion Johnson (deceased) and Wilma Jean Lym-Johnson (Chico). Howard passed away on June 27, 2010 in Cohasset, CA the placed he loved more than any other place on earth. Howard graduated from Burbank High School in 1961. He joined the U.S. Navy serving from 1961-1965 as a flight engineer.

He married Colette Johnston-Johnson (June 25, 1943 - September 17, 2009) on October 31, 1969. Howard raised three of Colette's children: Kelly Brass (Chico), Michael Hagman (Visalia, Ca), and John Hagman (Chico). Howard and Colette also raised their son Lyle Johnson (Cohasset).

Howard was a Volunteer Firefighter in Butte County in Cohasset for over 20 years retiring as Chief of the Cohasset Volunteer Fire Department. He also served as President of the Cohasset Community Association.

Over his life Howard has worked as a machinist, salesman, and business owner. More recently he owned and operated Johnson Equipment with his son from 1999-current; a fire suppression contractor to the National Forestry Service and Cal-Fire. He sold hardware as an independent sales representative for Higberts from 1985-2002. Higberts sold the business to Howard in 2002. Johnson Industrial Supply and Johnson Equipment continue to operate today being run by his son Lyle and daughter in law Angie.

He was an avid race car fan. He built and raced several cars at the speedways at Bonneville Salt Flats and El Mirage Dry Lake. He was a Lifetime Member of the Bonneville National's 200 Mile per Hour Club and the El Mirage Dry Lake 200 Mile per Hour Club ("Dirty 2 Club"). He set many land speed records. In 1975 while pursuing a land speed record in excess of 300 MPH he experienced an accident resulting in the loss of his dominant arm. For the next 35 years he perfected his use of his non-dominant arm never complaining (except for a couple of times!). He also loved NHRA drag racing.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kiera Hagman-Eggett, Sara Freeman, Melanie Freeman, Deanna Johnson, Melisse Hagman, Casey Johnson, Dallin Hagman, Bryce Hagman, and Blaine Hagman.

Service will be held at the Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at the corner of Mariposa and East Avenue in Chico, CA. Funeral begins at 11:00 a.m. Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. Following the services Howard will be laid to rest at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery at the top of Harvey Road in Cohasset immediately following the services. Howard loved people and loved his work, family, and his dogs "The Boys" (Rosco, Bear, Tubby, and Weezer). He will be sorely missed by many.