English Funeral Chapels & Crematory - Robert Johnson Memorial

Robert Johnson

November 25, 1920 ~ May 17, 2003

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday May 21, 2003, at the English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d'Alene, ID. Burial to follow at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens.

Robert H. Johnson, 82, passed Saturday, May 17, 2003, in Coeur d'Alene.

Robert was born November 25, 1920, in Sheldon, Iowa, to Pearl (Cowie) and Henry P. Johnson. For a short time, they lived in LaVern, MN, then moved to Hawarden, IA, where Robert attended public schools, until the family moved to California. He graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic in Long Beach, CA, then worked for Cal-Aero Flight Training School for one year.
In 1940, Robert joined the Marine Corps and participated in combat operations in Roi-Namur Islands, Saipan Tinian and Iwo-Jima in the Pacific Theater. He was also in Korea for 15 months. Robert served 20 years in active duty and 10 years in the Reserve. He retired in 1970 with 30 years and 27 days served.
Robert then worked for Sylvania as food service manager for 11 years. After moving to Coeur d'Alene in 1969, he owned and operated the "Tower Inn Tavern" until about 1971. He then went to work for Western Frontiers, later known as Hagadone Hospitality Corp. Robert managed T.J.'s Restaurants until he moved to the corporate office as purchasing director for the restaurants. He retired from Hagadone Hospitality in 1987.
Robert married Margaret L. Marshall on Jan. 17, 1942, in Yuma, AZ.
He was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Coeur d'Alene.
Robert is survived by his son Rex Johnson of Coeur d'Alene, son Marshall and wife Carol Johnson, Post Falls; daughter Barbara and husband Jerry Baltzell, Post Falls; daughter-in-law Joanne Johnson, Coeur d'Alene; long-time companion Jeanne Pickerd, Coeur d'Alene; grandchildren Cindy and Joe Warner, Craig and Shaunda Johnson, Shannon Johnson, Jeff and Leslie Baltzell, Kelley and Kelly Shields, Gary Baltzell, Marshall Baltzell, Pat McMillan, Jamie Fischer; eight great-grandchildren; and close family friends Suzanne Mclaughlin and Rohn Dillow, both of California.
His wife Margaret preceded Robert in death on Jan. 12, 1983, five days short of their 41st wedding anniversary.
The family prefers memorials to American Cancer Society, 212 Ironwood Drive, Suite D, Coeur d'Alene ID 83814, or Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 Government Way, Hayden ID 83835.

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Name: Corinne 'Corky' Chadderdon
City:     Coeur d'Alene
State:    Idaho
Country: USA
Email:    res1hr9l@verizon.net
Date:             05/20/2003

I first met Bob in July 1974 when I was transferred from the Convention Center to the Shore Lounge. That summer saw the World's Fair in Spokane and to say we were busy is an understatement. I have continued to love and respect him through the years. He was great to work for. My last contact was just this last summer and fall. He and Jeenne regularly came into a restaurant I was working at.

Bob, I will miss your wonderful smile and that mischievous twinkle in your eye.

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Name: Marlene (Brown) Ream
City:     Bend
State:    OR
Country: USA
Email:    mream@cocc.edu
Date:             05/20/2003

Bob will surely be missed by all his family and friends.
He was my first "boss" at Hagadone Hospitality when I started as his assistant in 1984 - Geez, how can that be almost 20 years ago??!! He scared me to death at first, but then I realized he had a heart of gold - and Betty Boop tatooed on his leg!! We really had a lot of fun and he taught me so much about the food industry. I'll never forget the day we spent photographing the beautiful food in Spokane - what an education for me!
Bob always loved a party, and who can forget his annual Heimlich Maneuver demonstration at the After Five party!
I'll treasure the memories of him forever, and thus he will live forever in my heart! I'm so glad I got to help him celebrate his 80th birthday!
Deepest sympathy to you all!
Marlene (Brown) Ream

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Name: gary templin
City:     sprague
State:    wa
Email:    templins@agritel.net
Date:             05/20/2003

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Name: MaryAnn Schevenius
City:     Post Falls
State:    Idaho
Email:    schevenius@earthlink.net
Date:             05/21/2003

Bob was always such a lighthearted fellow. Anytime I would see his bright face it would put some cheer into my day.

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Name: Rockland Reed Sr.
City:     Anchorage
State:    Alaska
Email:    rockandie@ak.ent
Date:             05/21/2003

Bob Johnson was a warm and funny man. He hired me for my first restaurant job at the Shore in 1974. I was a high school sophomore and thought I knew it all. After working with Bob for one shift, I realized I knew nothing. He was so knowledgeable about food service and not afraid to impart that knowledge to someone who wanted to work and learn. My most fond memory of him is: he used to ask me every shift, "Rock did you find that box?" Of course, I would ask "what box?" If you knew Bob you know his answer. Rest in Peace Bob Johnson, You're a Good Man