Robert Drake Johnson
Bob Johnson passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on Dec. 29, 2024, with his beloved wife Julie by his side.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Drake Johnson, 68, affectionately known as Bob, Bobbo or The Dude. Bob passed away peacefully and unexpectedly Dec. 29, 2024, with his beloved wife, Julie, by his side. Bob lived a life full of passion, laughter and love.
Born on April 5, 1956, in Pasadena, Calif., to Joseph and Cynthia Johnson, Bob grew up with a child-like curiosity and zest for life. His career at Boeing brought him to Moses Lake in the late 1980s where fate led him to Julie, his hairdresser who became his soulmate and wife. They married Oct. 3, 1992, beginning their life journey which was a beautiful mix of joy, endless stories, heartfelt laughter and boundless affection.
After Boeing left Moses Lake, Bob worked at Samaritan Hospital Warehouse and Terrace Heights as maintenance director. In 2002, Bob proudly went to work alongside family and eventually retired at Soil Spray Aid Inc., a family business created by his father-in-law Bill. But retirement didn’t slow him down, because Bob was a man who embraced life fully. Bob introduced stand-up paddleboarding to Moses Lake and competed in races in Washington and California. His most memorable award was from Battle of the Paddle’s Stand up for a Cure in California. Bob was a fitness enthusiast throughout his whole life and was no stranger to the workout room.
Bob was a storyteller at heart, captivating everyone with his tales and infectious humor. Known for his gift of gab, he had an uncanny ability to connect with anyone and bring joy to any room. A devout supporter of his family and friends, Bob was always their biggest cheerleader, offering encouragement and words of wisdom.
His paddle rests, his love, his stories and his memories will continue to ripple through the lives of those he touched. Rest in peace, our sweet Bob, Bobbo, The Dude. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. He has left quite a legacy.
Bob is survived by his wife, Julie Johnson; sons Joshua Adam LaRosee, Joseph Ryan LaRosee (Katie Lynn LaRosee) and Drake William Johnson; daughter Ashley Reanne Johnson; grandchildren Penelope Jo LaRosee, Cora Rose LaRosee and DeVaughn Cassius Rushing; siblings Susan Johnson, Barbara Mack (Micheal Mack), Julie Lawton (Eric Gale) and Jan Guptill (Col. Sandy Guptill USMC, Ret.); nieces and nephews Molly Mack (son Everett Mack), Blossom Barylski (Matt Barylski, children Olivia and Parker Barylski), Trevor Mack (Erin Burke-Webster), Jacob Rimple, Kyle Rimple (son Elijah Rimple), Lila Johnson and Tate Johnson; sister- and brother-in-law Shari Johnson-Faith (Mark Faith) and Brady Johnson (Amy Johnson); mother-in-law Mary Ann Johnson; and extended family Steve Rimple (Carmen), Gunner Rimple, Everett Rimple and Sam and Roz Grogan.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Cynthia Johnson (Drake), his stepmom Linda Johnson and his uncle Bruce Johnson.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Grace Harvest Church, 313 Fig St., Moses Lake, Wash., with Pastor Doug Sherman officiating. Friends, family and all whose lives were touched by Bob are welcome to join us in remembering his remarkable life. In true “Bob fashion,” attendees are invited to dress casually or wear Hawaiian attire.
Please express your thoughts and memories at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.