Our beloved Papa, Richard D. "Dick" Johnson, 78, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Saturday, August 14, 2010, in Seattle. He was born April 18, 1932, in Kittitas, WA to McCoy and Thaylia Lucille Johnson and graduated from Kittitas High School in 1950. Throughout his life, Dick was devoted to the well-being of children through education, which led to his completion of a B.A. degree in Science from Central Washington State College in 1958, followed by an M.A. in Education two years later. In April 1954, Dick married Dorothy Jensen and from that union came four sons. That same year, he was drafted into two years' active service with the U.S. Army. Dick had a distinguished career in Education spanning four decades, that began with teaching at Quincy High School in 1958, followed by one year at Carmichael, CA. He returned to Washington to serve as Principal in the Endicott School District from 1960 to 1964, and at Arlington High School from 1964 to 1967. While in Arlington, Dick earned Superintendent credentials through the University of Washington and in 1967, began a 16-year tenure as Superintendent in Cashmere, WA. He then served as Superintendent in Wenatchee, WA from 1983 to 1991, Naselle, WA from 1991 to 1995, and Ilwaco, WA from 1995 to 1997. Dick was known throughout his career as one who thoroughly rose to the challenge of hard work, passionately guided by the wisdom of doing "what's best for kids" and, in addition to professional excellence, he gave 110% to whatever he did. Dick remarried Judy Kepl in July 1987, to bring three step-sons and their families into his life. Through the years, he enjoyed hiking in the Cascades with his sons, keeping meticulous care of vegetable and dahlia gardens, collecting and refinishing antiques, carving ducks in his woodworking shop, and polishing rocks, to the delight of countless children who received them. Dick loved lazy family weekends spent on Whidbey Island, walks around his Mill Creek neighborhood, coffee and yogurt with friends and watching Mariner games. Family was very important to "Papa Dick" and he loved spending time with his sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The abiding theme of his life was always his love of children. He had an uncommon heart for their well-being and educational opportunities as a school administrator and influential leader at the state and national levels. In "Mr. Johnson" children far and wide found a ready smile, playful heart and generous spirit.

Dick is survived by his wife of 23 years, Judy; sons and daughters-in-law, Dean and Sue (Trimble) Johnson of Bothell, Mark and JoAnna (Foland) of Everson, Carl Johnson of East Wenatchee and Glenn and Danielle (Gefre) of Cashmere; step-sons and families of Steven and Deanna (Lane) Kepl of Edmonds, Tim and Lynn (Kelleran) Kepl of Woodinville and Bob Kepl of Mill Creek; and brother and sisters, Claude Johnson of Ellensburg, Joan Harris of Yakima and Betty Newman of Ellensburg. He was "Papa" to 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Bill Johnson.

A Memorial to Celebrate Dick's Life will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2010, at 1:00 p.m., at Cashmere High School. Memorial contributions may be made to the UW Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Cashmere School Foundation, or charity of choice. Ward's Funeral Chapel, of Leavenworth, is in charge of the arrangements.