Robert Edwin Johnson

A magnet for animals and children, he could call an eagle to fly overhead, and he could make a baby smile. He was a gentle and natural leader, setting the pace in a sawmill by skillfully manning the head rig, yet he nurtured dying orchids into glorious bloom. He was a warrior and a gentleman, fighting courageously for his country and holding doors for whomever shared his path. He was a respectful citizen of the natural world, a channel for the spiritual dimension and was formed from the salt of the earth. He was kind, strong, shy, silly, a talented painter and sculptor, masculine and sensitive, humble, handsome, steadfast and painfully honest. He lived authentically, and he loved deeply and faithfully. To know him truly was to love him. Robert was born in Tacoma, Washington to parents Laura May Tachell and Edwin Kasper Johnson. He had three older sisters, two born 12-14 years before him (Darlene Cole and Luanna Sissy Baker), and then came Christina (Holloway), only 1-1/2 when he was born. Bobby and Christy were close growing up, even sharing a bedroom at times. Despite their lack of material means, they lived near the water both in University Place and Dash Point areas of Tacoma. This is likely where Bob developed his love for the water that provided hours of fun and mischief with his sister. He later found recuperation from lifes pressures on annual vacations in California, Mexico and Hawaii with his lifelong companion, Karen Scherwood. They always looked forward to spending long days together, laughing so hard they cried, wallowing in their love of sun, sand and ocean waves. With his father often working away from home, Bob grew up with a strong feminine influence. He developed a deep love, appreciation and respect for women. His mother, grandmother and aunt all had been artists models and they encouraged his innate artistic talent. He excelled at art and music in school, and later had lessons with a professional painter. He kept developing his drawing, painting and sculpture skills through college courses, artist groups and daily practice. Art became a vehicle for healing and self-discovery as he navigated life, love and the destructive influences of war. Whether cooking, designing a tailgate for his truck, or making us laugh, his creativity always illuminated his uniqueness in this world. Sadly, Bob lost his beloved mother as a teenager and shortly thereafter was drafted into the Vietnam War. His honorable service included shooting large artillery, serving as a radio technician and as a forward observer. Heightened skills of perception and observation contributed to his vision as an artist. He literally never forgot a face, was a human lie detector and an excellent, swift judge of character. He was a private and generous man with a small circle of close, longtime friends. When Bob returned from Vietnam he soon met Karen who became his lifelong love and caring companion. From the beginning they knew they would walk through life together to the very end. Their unconventional and solid bond spanned almost 44 years in sickness and in health, heartbreak and victory, financial struggle and success. They counted on each other in times of difficulty and in times of celebration. Karen could not have found a stronger, more dedicated, loving and capable support in her life. She is grateful for the intimate honor of caring for him through his final courageous battle. In 2004 Bob fulfilled his dream of purchasing his own home, affectionately calling it Boonyland. He enjoyed cooking for himself and visitors there, nestled in the woods near Puget Sound. This place brought him autonomy in a quiet and natural environment full of birds and other creatures that came to recognize him. It had space for working on larger-scale paintings and gates, sculpture and glass-topped tables, plus a garage to restore his treasured truck Rusty. Although hed already received periodic artistic recognition, his home allowed him to create on his own terms and timing. His art has been featured in numerous area galleries, art and garden stores, juice bars, cafes and coffee shops, sculpture parks and The Tacoma Art Museum. His pieces continue bringing color and spirit to residences and businesses across the Pacific Northwest and in Southern California. Robert is survived by his three sisters, three nephews, three nieces and their children. His family thanks Karen for all she has done for their Bobby over the years, noting that she was his Angel who he completely trusted. They also thank his lifelong friend Jerry Beroth for all that he did with and for Bob like a brother. Throughout his 66 years he has loved and been loved by many. Hes been known by many names Robert, Bobby, BJ, Bob, Hubba Bubba, Bobbolink, Bobstinate, Hobbity Bobbity and Trebor Son, Brother, Nephew, Cousin, Uncle, Friend, Lover, Boyfriend, Partner, Significant Other, My Rock, Hero, Helper and Godsend. May all whove known him by these and other names continue to find him in the beauty of nature, in our treasured memories of him, and through his art as he sends his love and silly humor to us all from his perch among the clouds. Services for friends and family will be held at 2:30pm on Thursday, June 16 at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th Street, Kent, WA 98042. In lieu of flowers, any donations youd care to make to your favorite causes in Roberts memory will be greatly appreciated.