Kenneth Everett Johnson

Kenneth Everett Johnson died peacefully at home on April 1, 2011 at age 82. Born May 5, 1928, in Coos Bay, OR., he was a sixth generation Oregonian. Ken graduated from the University of Oregon with a BA in Journalism. He worked as a journalist for 14 years as sports editor of the Albany Democrat-Herald; managing editor of the Coos Bay World; and editor of the Salem Capital Press.
Ken spent most of his career as an aide and political advisor to Oregon Governors Bob Holmes, Bob Straub, Tom McCall, and Neil Goldschmidt, serving also as Straub's Deputy State Treasurer and as a campaign aide to U.S. Sen. Wayne Morse and Rep. Al Ullman. He retired in 1989.
Ken married Sarah Louise Turnbull on June 26, 1953. In 1965 they built a home on an acre of woodland outside West Salem, which was their home for the rest of their life together.
Ken was an avid golfer and member of Salem Golf Club. He and Sarah were backpackers and climbers and they traveled throughout much of Europe. In their later years they volunteered assisting 1st- and 2nd-graders with reading and math.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah along with sons, Chuck and Bruce; daughter, Nancy Erickson and son-in-law John, as well as grandchildren Mackintosh, Kayla and Trevor. A memorial celebration will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Salem, on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 2 p.m. Contributions may be made in Ken's name to Marion-Polk Food Share, The Salvation Army, or Union Gospel Mission, all in Salem.