Lars Hunter Johnson

Lars H. Johnson unexpectedly passed away on August 26, 2012, in Boise, ID, as a result of heart failure. He was on vacation, doing the things he most enjoyed. Lars was born on July 4, 1953, in Walla Walla, the first of two children of Charles and Peggy Johnson. He grew up in Spokane with his mother and sister Patta, often spending vacations with his beloved grandmother, Doris Johnson, in Walla Walla, or with his father and stepmother, Ione, in Montana. Lars loved sports and grew up playing whatever sport was in season and participated in Little League and Junior Hockey. He was also a Cub Scout. In 1971, Lars graduated with honors from Shadle Park High School in Spokane. Lars was on the debate team and was chosen as captain of the High School Knowledge Bowl Team. He attended Whitman College in Walla Walla and received a BA with honors in Political Science in 1975. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, served as president and received the Faithful, True and Devoted Senior award from the fraternity. Lifelong friendships were forged during this period. Several fraternity brothers eagerly anticipate their annual week together at Mariners Spring Training where they have lively arguments over sports, politics and current events. In 1979, Lars graduated with distinction from the Harvard Business School, earning an MBA. He also became a Chartered Financial Analyst. Lars had a long and fulfilling career and was well known in the local banking community, most recently serving as Vice President and Controller at Washington Business Bank in Olympia, WA. Over the course of his career, Lars was the Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer of Cascade Bank, Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer at Heritage Bank in St. George, UT and Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer at the Federal Home Loan Bank in Seattle. His banking career began at Baker Boyer National Bank in Walla Walla as an Escrow Officer. On July 17, 1977, Lars married his college sweetheart, Paulette. Lars was devoted to his family, friends and work. He was a Good Samaritan, often helping to change a tire or willing to help someone in need. As an avid reader, he closely followed sports, financial news and politics. The family especially enjoyed attending movies, concerts and plays together. Lars loved animals, almost always having at least one pet. Lars is survived by his wife of 35 years, Paulette Johnson of Edmonds; son Anders (Amy) Johnson and grandchildren Charles and Philip of Ridgefield, WA; son Eric Johnson of Edmonds, sister Patta Johnson of West Linn, OR; mother and stepfather Peggy and Jerry Sullivan of Spokane, WA; stepmother, Ione Johnson of Edmonds, sister-in-law Jennifer (Ralph) Lee of Edmonds; niece Elizabeth (Manny) Scholz of Ballard; nephew Aaron Lee of Edmonds, niece Toni (Phil) Nugent of Yakima and nephew Tim (April) Cowen of Moxee, WA. He was preceded in death by his father Charles H. Johnson. Announcement: Memorials in Lars name suggested to the Seattle Childrens Autism Clinic, 4909 25th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98105 or the American Heart Association.