The Good Lord wrapped His arms around Larry Robert Johnson Sr. and called him home on Feb. 24, 2021, to join his sister, Rita, parents, grandparents and in-laws. He will always be in our hearts, watching over us. His spirit will live through each of us. He was the love of my life!

He was born on Nov. 5, 1943, in Spokane, Washington, to Helene Doris (Aldridge) Johnson and Floyd Joseph Johnson. For many years he suffered the progressive effects of advanced Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, leg amputation, aspiration pneumonia and finally COVID.

Despite his trials, he tried his best to maintain a kind and loving attitude, and managed to sustain his spunk, famous sense of humor, easy laughter and live as normal a life possible.

Before Larry was in high school his obsession for anything automotive was born as he learned the auto collision trade by the side of his father at Johnson Autobody Rebuild. This humble shop sparked a lifelong passion and successful career. He was sought after by many agencies, quickly moving from “working on the bench” to being promoted to managerial positions due to his qualifications; excellent organizational skills, interpersonal skills and vast knowledge of the business. He continued to participate in specialized training classes and earned many of the trade’s professional certifications as well as being a member of ASA, ICAR, NACE and ASE.

Three highlights of his career include manager at Auto Warehousing in Tacoma, moving 30,000 to 40,000 autos monthly as a liaison between the Port of Tacoma and automobile manufacturers. He was proud that two of his sons also were hired and working at Auto Warehousing long after he had built from the ground up and operated his own successful independent collision repair shop, Firgrove Collision.

The most challenging position for Larry was when he was recruited by Bushu Auto Company, Limited, as an auto collision repair academy supervisor in Tokyo, Japan. It was a fantastic opportunity for him to showcase the skills he had garnered during the rest of his career and an experience of a lifetime. He was recognized for establishing and operating the Academy from scratch, instructing non-English speaking students in every aspect of facility operations, including contacting customers, estimating damage, ordering parts, using proper machines to repair and refinish vehicles, billing and providing customer service. This position obviously required technical knowledge, organizational ability and strong communication skills — including lots of charades! Though challenging, it was one of his favorite positions.

Larry was a master at restoring classic vehicles and hot rods! During his lifetime he brought more than a dozen back to life, including a 1949 Dodge “shorty” school bus. His favorite is now in Sweden earning all kinds of awards at car shows. It was a 1947 Buick convertible. It ran like a dream and rode as smooth as glass!

He had passion for trains, planes (he had his private pilot’s license and six planes over the years), automobiles, boats and climbing Mount Rainier. However, his real love and happiest memories were those of times spent with his three boys: Larry Robert Jr., Brent Loren and Christopher Michael. He spent quality time with them teaching them to hike, climb, camp and Jeep, as his father before him had. He encouraged them to get involved in activities that made a difference. They became members of the Tacoma Mountaineers. (The Mountaineers is a community of enthusiasts who love to spend time outdoors while taking action and by helping others enjoy Washington’s wild spaces safely and responsibly.) Being active members allowed them the opportunity to become good stewards of the outdoors. One of their favorite activities was overnighting at one of the Mountaineer lodges, and then completing necessary repairs to maintain/upgrade them for future guests.

Larry was a man of many talents, coaching youth baseball, soccer and basketball. He truly enjoyed being involved with his youngest son’s passions, one of which was owning, riding and showing horses. The other was the “fast and furious” world of Quarter Midget Race Cars. The whole family was a member of the Little Wheels Quarter Midget Association in Graham, Washington. Like with the Mountaineers, the family helped restore and maintain the race track and buildings, ensuring fun and safe times for future racers to come. And winning many trophies, too!

As a romantic, Larry wanted to marry his all-time love, Pam, during the magical season of Christmas. Dec. 23, 1995, in front of their beautifully decorated Christmas tree, surrounded by loving family and friends, they became husband and wife. They honeymooned at the Hotel Niko on the tropical island of Saipan in the Marianas Islands. They quickly became favorites of the staff.

Some of the activities they enjoyed were travel, car shows, antiquing and attending Smooth Jazz concerts with their circle of Jazz enthusiasts. But most of all, they enjoyed the close times spent with each other, family and friends. Larry and Pam spent more than 25 wonderful, magical years of happiness and joy together. They were the loves of each other’s lives.

Larry was the best husband, father and friend anyone could possibly have, and he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him well. He will always be the light of our lives!

He requested that he have no service.

He was a dog lover, so in his honor donations may be made to Old Dog Haven at olddoghaven.org 206-280-7614

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.