It is with the greatest of sorrow that the family of Dan Johnson announces his passing on Feb. 12 at his home in Olympia. Dan grew up in Naselle, Washington being the baby of the family and adored by his three older sisters. His childhood was filled with outdoor adventures with his cousins and many money-making schemes such as peeling bark and trapping for pelts. In 1970, Dan graduated from Naselle High School and continued his education at Lower Columbia College and the University of Washington where he received his degree in business. After his college years, Dan landed a job with ITT Rayonier in Grays Harbor as a financial advisor. He then moved to Olympia and began working for Simpson in Tacoma. He was there until his retirement in December of 2018. After retiring he did part-time temp work for West Rock.

In his free time he loved lake fishing, keeping his home and yard pristine, golfing and going to car races in Tenino. He was extremely proud of the two race cars he sponsored: #2 Super Late Model driven by Tommy Elstoen and #75 Vintage Modified driven by Bob Fulmer. One of the highlights of Dan’s life was going to the Indy 500 with his son Matt. Dan was a huge fan of the UW Huskies and an enthusiastic booster of all Olympia High School and Naselle High School sport teams often going to many of the home games as well as traveling to out of town ones.

The greatest joy of Dan’s life was his family. He was the best of the best husband, father and grandfather. He was so proud of his daughter Nikki and his son Matt for the caring, loving adults they had become and the achievements they had accomplished. All through their growing up years, Dan was always in the stands at Matt’s games and Nikki’s track meets. He also loved to watch Nikki cheer at the Olympia High School games. The apple of his eye was his granddaughter Allie who adored her Papa. Dan was the happiest when he was with his family, and he so enjoyed taking off with his loving wife Stacey of 27 years for road trips to experience new places and adventures. He and Stacey took such price in their home and their family.

Dan was a friend to everyone he met whether it be at the Boulevard Tavern where he would enjoy a cold beer or getting a coffee at his local Starbucks. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. He touched all who knew him with his kindness, his quirkiness and his genuine love for people and life.

Dan is survived by his wife, Stacey Mierzwa Johnson, son Matt (Alisha), daughter Nikki Johnson, granddaughter Allie Johnson, sisters Joyce Heriot, Carol (Mel Schisler) and Phyllis Mercer, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and an abundance of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Okie and Olive Johnson.

A celebration of Dan’s life will be held later this summer.

“Damn it Dan” … we weren’t ready for you to leave us. We miss you terribly.