R. Rudy Johnson, 86, died Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland.
Rudy was born in Moscow to Raynard and Peggy Johnson. He was reared on the family dairy and wheat farm near Troy. He attended Troy High School, graduating in 1955, and attended the University of Idaho in Moscow. He married Joyce Johnson in 1956, and they moved to Ephrata, Wash., in 1963 where he worked for the Grant County PUD for 30 years as a Control Engineer in Power Management, retiring in 1993.
Rudy was active in the Grange Organization from a young age at the local, county and state level. This is where he met his wife, Joyce. He was active in Boy Scouts, and was a member of the Amateur Radio Club, of the Kiwanis and Elks Clubs, of the Lakeview Golf and Country Club, of the Columbia Basin Antique Tractor Club, and of the Square and Round Dance Clubs in Ephrata and Wenatchee. Following retirement, Rudy enjoyed his hobby of restoring farm tractors and showing them in local parades. He enjoyed participating in round and square dancing locally as well as traveling throughout the Northwest with his wife and friends in RVs for square dance weekends. He appreciated the special friends he made through square dancing.
Rudy had a fantastic character, well-known for his integrity, generosity, honesty and loyalty. He valued honesty above almost anything. He was dearly loved by his family and was a great husband, dad and grandpa. He was active with his family and their activities, always doing projects for his kids and grandkids. He was a friend, confidant and advocate. He loved unselfishly, had a kind spirit and valued family above all.
Survivors include Rudy’s wife of 67 years, Joyce; a son, Dale Johnson of Denver; a daughter, Lana and son-in-law Wayne Kolstad of Chesta, Mont.; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three sisters, Betty Brood, Kathy Haynes and Judy Hruska; a brother, Ernie Johnson; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
A viewing will be held from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, at Short’s Funeral Chapel, 1225 E. Sixth St., Moscow. At his request, a graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 28 at the cemetery in Avon.
