Michael Leroy Johnson

Michael Leroy Johnson, of Lewiston, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at the age of 62.

Mike was born on Aug. 29, 1955, in Sacramento, Calif. As a child he enjoyed playing with Hot Wheels cars, dressing up in full Army uniform to play soldiers with his younger brother, and watching cartoons with a bowl of cereal on Saturday mornings.

His family moved to Oregon in 1964, and then to Genesee in 1970, where his father worked on the construction of the Kibbie Dome. Mike graduated from Genesee High School in 1973 and married Christine Wishard (Beaverton, Ore.) in 1974. They were married for 12 years and had two children, Steven Johnson (Puyallup, Wash.) and Melynda (Mindy) Holliday (Bend, Ore.). Mike enjoyed being a member of the Genesee community and often dressed up as Smokey Bear for the annual Genesee Community Days Parade, and as Santa for the yearly children's Christmas party at Hall's Corner Bar. He worked for the city of Genesee as a policeman and volunteered as a first responder.

Mike moved to Lewiston in 1985 and there the met his second wife, Laura Willenborg, and her two children, John Thompson (Lewiston) and Loretta Evans (Spokane). Mike and Laura were married for 26 years.

Mike was incredibly loyal and committed to the companies he worked for during his career. Most notably, from 1978 to 1992, he worked at The McGregor Company, between the Genesee and Tammany locations. In 1992, he accepted a position at Poe Asphalt Paving Inc., and held various titles over his 21 years there, such as driver, truck boss and superintendent. In 2013, the president of Poe Asphalt awarded Mike a plaque at their 60th anniversary celebration for his years of service, where he received a standing ovation.

Mike had a great sense of humor and was notorious for always making people laugh. He adored his family and grandchildren, and enjoyed traveling to see relatives all over the United States as often as he could.

Mike is also survived by his 10 grandchildren: Brittanie Thompson, Madison Thompson, Peytin Thompson, Sophia Johnson, Kenneth Johnson, Hunter Holliday, Vance Evans, Henry Holliday, Aria Evans and Piper Evans. He also leaves behind his mother Dorothy Johnson (Clarkston); his sister Patti Choate (Corvallis, Ore.); his brother David Johnson (Christiana, Tenn.); and other family members and friends. Mike is preceded in death by his father, Vernon Johnson; and brother-in-law Wesley Choate.

Mike's family would like to thank everyone who contributed to him accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior prior to his passing, and to everyone who supported him during his illness, especially the incredible staff at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center fourth floor Progressive Care Unit, St. Joseph Regional Medical Oncology and Hematology, Clearwater Gastroenterology and so many more.

"We will always love you unconditionally, Dad, and you will hold a special place in our hearts forever."

- Steve and Mindy