Keith A. Johnson, 79
Keith A. Johnson died July 10, 2008, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Polson on Oct. 17, 1928, to H. Irving and Ethel Mallory Johnson.
He married Blanche Shodo Johnson on a beautiful, snowy Christmas Eve in 1949.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Blanche. Born to this union were four children, Paul and Joan of Whitefish; Kevin and Jane, and their daughters, Kristin and Lisa, of Butte; Rod and Cindy, and their sons, Erik and Andrew, of Polson; Lauren and Pete Quien of Kalispell, and their children, Keith Allen and Cara, and their daughters, Kyla and Lena, of Denver; Nicole and Brian Piercy, and their daughter, Sage, of Kalispell; and Jennifer Quien and her son, Oliver, of Kalispell. Also surviving him are a sister, Kay and Ted Witham, of Polson; sisters-in-law, Arlene Johnson, of Clarkston, Wash., and Edith Connerly and Jo Blackburn, of Maple Valley, Wash.; brother-in-law, Leslie and Elva Shodo, of Denver; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Keith was a lifelong resident of Polson. His career began at the Security State Bank, which had been established by his paternal grandfather, J.A. Johnson, and his partner in 1910. Keith retired after 30 years and became owner and manager of Lake County Abstract Co.
He was past exalted ruler of the Polson Elks, an active member of Polson Jaycees, supporter of Lake County 4-H and Junior Fair, and a lifelong member of Polson Presbyterian Church.
During his tenure on the Polson school board, the properties for Polson High School, Polson Middle School and Cherry Valley Elementary were purchased.
After his retirement, he and Blanche enjoyed their winter homes in Yuma, Ariz., and later in Waldport, Ore.
He loved living in Polson and appreciated the beauty that surrounds us here. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and gatherings at the cabin at Dayton, but more than that, he treasured the companionship of family and friends. Keith cared deeply about and was cherished by his wife, children, grandchildren, sister, extended family and friends. His loss cannot be measured.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, at the Polson Community Church, 1814 First St. E., in Polson, with the Rev. Richard Widerholdt officiating. A reception will be after services in the hall of the church.
The family suggests contributions may be made in Keith's memory to the Cheerful Hearts cancer support group in Polson or any local charitable organization of their choice.
Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences can be made to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.