Paul Mark Johnson, 44
Paul Mark Johnson, 44, died July 26, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.
He was born in Kalispell on Dec. 4, 1960, to Willard and Lorene (Brostrom) Johnson.
His energy allowed him to actively pursue multiple interests, careers and education throughout his life. He began a business career delivering the Daily Inter Lake at age 5. Paul always maintained some entrepreneurial endeavor, including holding several positions at the Black Angus 4-B's. In 1981, Paul became a major shareholder and manager of the family business, Johnson Mortuary and Crematory. After the funeral home was sold in 1997, Paul owned, operated and refurbished "Best Wash" on West Idaho Street. He loved the fact that the "Wash" allowed him the flexibility to drive his Bug to go skiing and fishing. Paul delighted in answering his cell from the top of Big Mountain or the middle of the lake with a cheery "Best Wash, how may I help you?"
Paul attended Trinity Lutheran Elementary and Flathead High School. At the end of his senior fall semester, he toured Europe, visiting family, and then returned for graduation in the spring of 1979. He studied at the University of Montana and then entered the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science and completed his studies.
Paul met Darcie Schmidt at Flathead Valley Community College while he obtained his associate's degree, thus meeting the requirements for the mortician's license. It was love at first sight when they met in math class. Five years later, they were married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on May 3, 1986.
Paul developed a love for the culinary arts at the age of 4, delighting himself and sometimes his family with messy ice-cream concoctions. In the late '90s, he perfected his chef skills completing his second degree from F.V.C.C. in their chef program. He then traveled to England and France to attend classes at Le Cordon Bleu. Paul enjoyed entertaining at home and at the cabin, those invited always looked forward to the great meals prepared by Chef Paul.
His other hobbies included photography, hiking and fishing. As an avid photographer Paul created a portfolio reflecting the things he enjoyed the most; primarily the remote and beautiful places that he explored.
Paul began his community service as an Eagle Scout. As an adult Paul was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the Kalispell Masonic Lodge No. 42AFAM, of which he was a past master, Algeria Shrine, Scottish Rite, York Rite and Royal Order of Jesters. His other associations were the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Kalispell Elks Lodge, Montana Funeral Director Association and past member of Kiwanis. He was a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Course and Leadership Flathead. He was particularly successful in resolving public-access issues while serving on the County Weeds and Parks Board. He recently was elected to serve on the board of the Little Bitterroot Lake Association protecting the environmental integrity and recreational opportunities.
Darcie shared Paul with the world as he was known for his good heart, great laughter and sense of humor. Paul had many endeavors. His attention to detail and insistence upon perfection carried over into all aspects of his life. He was devoted to his wife, family, his friends and community. "We'll all miss him, especially his favorite girl, the red head 'Lily.'"
Paul is survived by his wife, Darcie; his parents, Willard and Lorene Johnson, all residents of Kalispell; his brother, Leonard Johnson, of Portland; and sister, Connie Johnson, of Belgrade. He is also survived by Elsa, Lily, the Bernies and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 30, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Pastor Lindean Barnett officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, July 29, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel. Burial will be on Saturday, July 30, at 2:30 p.m. at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery with Masonic Rites conducted.
The family suggest memorials be made to Little Bitterroot Lake Association, P.O. Box 3201 Kalispell, MT 59901, or to the Shriner's Transportation Fund, c/o Gale Henderson, 75 Winchester, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Paul's family.