Gary Johnson passed away 30 a.m. Thursday January 11th. He was surrounded by loved ones and at peace with the world. In life, he had established a reputation as a quality boat builder, craftsman and businessman. He was an accomplished sailor and adventurer; a traveler & biker.

Gary was one of those rare people who are truly “Larger than Life.”

His appetite for adventure and fun was legendary and infectious.

He was gifted with a generosity of spirit that left him with an extremely diverse group of friends from all walks of life and of all ages. He was comfortable to be with, he laughed a lot and was very plain spoken. You never had to wonder where you stood with him; he was always willing to tell you.

He loved his family deeply, and he and his wife Peri and youngest daughter Kate spent all their spare time together working on their farm; with their horses; traveling or boating.

His son Shawn and daughter Deni and their families lived close by and knew they could always count on Gary for love and support, and he always knew he could count on them too.

During the 80’s Gary was half of the Dr. Dirty steam cleaning business. He was the “Young Dr. Dirty.” They cleaned restaurant exhaust hoods throughout the San Juans and Western Washington. Gary was well known among all the restaurant owners in the San Juan Islands.

He was a lifelong biker and recently realized his dream of owning a new Harley. Whenever he sat on that bike he couldn’t quit smiling. He spent countless hours riding and shining his ride. He and Peri took trips with friends and last year during his 60th birthday, he and Brad Dawson, Jaydee Whisnat and Beth made a pilgrimage to Sturgis, South Dakota, to worship with thousands of other bikers. It was one of the highlights of his life.

As he let go of this life we visualize him jumping on his bike and riding right into the sun. We can still hear him laugh.

He will be forever missed.

His celebration of life will be held at high noon Jan. 20 at the Port Orchard Yacht club, right next to Dockside- the Johnson family business. Please bring your memories and share them with us.