Maurice Christian Johnson

Maurice Christian Johnson was born November 11, 1940 in Spokane, Wash. to Marion (Nelson) and Maurice L. Johnson. He died August 18, 2004 at the age of 63 after an extended battle with cancer, at home surrounded by family.

Morry attended schools in Moses Lake and WSU. At the age of 22, he earned his Washington State Apprenticeship in carpentry. He had a remarkable gift for wood crafting, carpentry and welding.

One of his proudest accomplishments was remodeling the Glenora Valley Church into his present home. In the late '70s and '80s, Morry farmed potatoes in the Quincy area. The remainder of his life was spent working with his carpentry.

All his life, Morry remained involved in his community. In 1967, as mayor of Warden, Wash., he received the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award. During the '80s, he served on the Washington State Potato Commission and was an active leader and member of the Quincy Boy Scouts and the Lions Club, respectively. Until his death, Morry continued his community involvement as a volunteer fireman and as a Mason of Oriental Lodge #74.

He was a member of the El Katif Shriners, president of the Greeters volunteer group and a member of the board of governors of the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Of his many hobbies and pastimes, collecting antique trucks and cars, golfing and fishing were his favorites. His greatest enjoyment was being with his children and grandchildren.

Morry was married to the former Judy Alexander and was the father of Marty, Mark and Dana. In 1994, he married the former Marcu Bajema. The made their home in Spokane.

Morry was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by: his wife, Marcu; his children, Marty (and Michelle) of Wenatchee, Wash., Mark (and Sharon) of Spokane, and Dana (and Cliff) Robertson of Quincy; stepchildren, Gretchen (and Tim) Gundy of Clarkston, Wash., Cynthia (and Rick Eggers) Bajema of Redmond, Wash., and Tim (and Chriss) Bajema of Santa Fe, NM; his brother, Charles (and Cricket) Johnson of Keene, NH; sister, Karen (and John) Folkerts of Salem, Ore.; and 14 granddaughters and one grandson.

Morry will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 21, 2004 at the Southside Christian Church at 2934 E. 27th St. in Spokane, with a reception immediately following at the church. Private interment will be in the Fairmont Memorial Park in the J.J. Browne section.

The family has requested that memorials be made to Hospice of Spokane, the Spokane Shriners Hospital for Children or Cancer Care NW.