Gail Christie Johnson was born March 17 1925, in Eureka to Frederick and Ruth Johnson. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side on December 9, 2022. A lifelong native of Eureka, Gail graduated from Eureka High School in 1943. Right after graduation, Gail enlisted in the US Army, were he served in World War 2 from 1943-1946. During his time in the Army, he served with the 728th Railway Battalion in the European Campaign. On February 9, 1946, Gail married his high school sweetheart, Delores Simpson of Arcata, Together they celebrated 70 years of marriage. During those years they raised their son Larry and daughter Marcie. Once home from the Army, Gail took a job as a typesetter and compositor. His first printing job was with the family business called Times Printing, then on to Art Craft printers and finished his 40-year career with the local Times-Standard.

Throughout the years, Gail, Delores, kids and later grandkids, spent a lot of time traveling. They enjoyed all kinds of traveling. Anything from tent/trailer camping to a few trips to Hawaii and everything in between. They were blessed to have visited several states throughout the US. One of the last trips Gail took was “The Veterans Honor Flight” to Washington DC, with his longtime friend Neil. Gail was not an easy man to keep down. He was always busy helping others, volunteering, and his favorite past time of golfing. He was known at the Muni golf course as “Boomer.” He remained a long-time member of the Muni “8 o’clock gang” well into his early 90s. In addition to golfing, Gail loved deer and duck hunting, fishing, and exploring the woods outside of the Willow Creek and Hawkins Bar area.

In addition to being an outdoors person, Gail was also a very devoted Methodist. He was the oldest living member of the Eureka Methodist Church. He became an official member at the young age of 13. He was well known for lending a hand around the church. Anything from going to the church early on Sunday mornings when he was a kid to light the boiler to warm up the sanctuary to years of serving on various church committees. You often could find him and his friend Neil making repairs at the church, in their spare time. In addition, he also spent years delivering meals for “Food for People” and serving as a volunteer and shuttle driver for St. Joseph Hospital for over 30 years. In fact, he just recently retired from both those jobs when he was about 94 years old.

Gail was preceded in death by his wife Delores, his parents Frederick and Ruth Johnson and by his sister Lois Speer. He is survived by his son Larry Johnson (Marjorie) of Eureka, his daughter Marcie Speirs (Brian) of Vacaville: his granddaughter April Barnhart (Mark), Christopher Johnson (Jessica), Ryan McElhaney; great-granddaughter Chelsea Jackson (Kolby), great-grandson Logan Alto; and his great-great-granddaughter Leslie Mae Rose Jackson. With the addition of his great-great-granddaughter 3 years ago, that made five generations of Johnsons who are lifelong natives of Humboldt County.

In addition, he is survived by several nieces and nephews. Gail was also very blessed to be survived by his very special friend Jacky Reise. Jacky held a very special place in his heart these last few years. They were a perfect match for each other and spent many hours together going for rides in the car, checking out his favorite casinos and going out to dinner.

The family would like to thank Gail’s daughter-in-law Marjorie and Jacky for being at his bedside every step of the way. It means so much to him and all of us. We would also like to thank the staff at Eureka Timber Ridge for the great care these last few months and the staff at St. Joseph Hospital and Seaview rehabilitation for the amazing care these last few weeks. Thank you to Dr. Lei Han for helping us keep him comfortable and peaceful the last few days.

The family will be having a private viewing and graveside service. There will be a memorial service after the first of the year at the Eureka Methodist Church. We will announce date and time soon.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Gail Johnson’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.