Phillip Ernest Johnson

Phillip (Phil) Ernest Johnson passed away on March 30, 2023, at the age of 92.  He was born April 27, 1930, in Bismarck, ND, to Fred and Ella Johnson.  His siblings were Evelyn and LeRoy.  They grew up on a farm near Wilton, ND.  In 1950, he married Dorothy Eunice Ohlin.  Their children are Barbara, Daniel, Bonita, and Craig.  He taught music for his whole working life.  He was very passionate about teaching.  He was extremely fond of Mohall, ND, where he taught and his family developed dear friendships that will never be broken.  In 1970, the family moved to Canada, where he was music supervisor of schools in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.  He also lived and taught music in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and Calgary, Alberta.  After retirement, he and Dorothy spent quite a few years “snowbirding” to Yuma, Arizona, with their fifth-wheel trailer. 

Phil was an avid woodturner and had a trailer with his lathe and other tools which he pulled behind his fifth-wheel.  In 2014, he and Dorothy sold their “rig” and moved in with their daughter, Bonnie, who was then living in Mesa, AZ.  After four and a half years, they moved to Sandy, UT, and lived at Solstice Independent Living Center.  Last year, they both had health issues and moved into an assisted living facility in Midvale, UT. 

Phillip is preceded in death by his father, Fred Johnson, and mother, Ella Johnson, and brother, LeRoy Johnson.  He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Dorothy, and his children Barb (Tom) Newhouse, Dan Johnson, Bonnie Johnson, Craig (Donna) Johnson, his sister, Evelyn Zelmer, numerous nieces and nephews, 9 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.